Courting your lender

“Whether you realize it or not, asking for a loan can be a little like asking someone out on a date,” said Geoff Williams in USNews .com. Although a solid credit score and credit history are key requirements for a loan, lenders often size up a prospective customer in the same manner they do a potential romantic partner. Lenders are turned off when a borrower appears overburdened or overstressed; banks are eager to see that you’re “a safe risk.” Another turnoff: “Looking like you’re stretching yourself too thin.” Do not mention any family feuds or pending bankruptcy actions. “Treat that lender like a prospective date and try to seem like a good catch, financially speaking.”