SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – CU Realty Services has added five more credit unions to its client list: Space Coast Credit Union ($3.5 billion, Melbourne, Fla.); Star One Credit Union ($7.8 billion, Sunnyvale, Calif.); USE Credit Union ($816 million, San Diego, Calif.;) University of VA Credit Union ($715 million, Charlottesville, Va.) and Wings Financial Credit Union ($4.2 billion, Apple Valley, Minn.).
“The growing trend of credit unions choosing CU Realty Services is due in large part to the CUSO’s HomeAdvantage program, which provides credit union members with tools and support to help them make informed decisions while saving money when buying or selling a home,” the company said in a statement. “Further, CU Realty encourages credit unions to become their members’ advocate throughout the buying process, rather than just their lender when it’s time to apply for a home loan. That message is beginning to resonate within the credit union community.
“Buyers and sellers need information on homes, prices, types of mortgages and other aspects of navigating the real estate process, and credit unions are known for superior service and financial education, so it’s a good fit,” said CEO Mike Corn. “Offering assistance from the beginning of the buying process positions the credit union as a trusted advisor, making it more likely members will turn to it when they are ready for a mortgage.”
Corn says a key advantage for both credit unions and their members is the deeper relationships they develop. “Serving as a real estate advocate can strengthen a credit union’s ties with its members,” he said. “And members have the peace of mind that they are making good choices.”
According to the company, credit unions offering HomeAdvantage earn the mortgage loans of members participating in the program up to 80% of the time. And those members using an agent in the HomeAdvantage program earn a rebate that saves them an average of $1,500 per transaction, it said.