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CU Realty Services and Client Credit Unions Help Save Members $1.8 Million
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Margaret Blankers
MJB Public Relations Group, LLC
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Scottsdale, Ariz. (Feb. 8, 2012) – In 2011, CU Realty Services awarded a total of $1.8 million in cost savings to credit union members who bought or sold their homes using the company’s network of real estate agents. On average, these members saved $1,499, approximately 20 percent in real estate commissions. Members who bought homes through the real estate program at Bank-Fund Staff Federal Credit Union in Washington, D.C., collectively saved $382,000 in closing costs. Following closely were participating members of Northwest Federal Credit Union in Herndon, Va., which disbursed a total of $337,460 in closing cost savings.
CU Realty helps credit unions increase their mortgage business by installing a turnkey real estate program that helps their members save money and time when buying or selling a home. Among its features, the program helps members find a house, research a neighborhood and connect with an agent, while acting as an active lead channel when the member is ready for financing
“Historically, the first point of contact for buying a home was the Realtor, who also helped homebuyers obtain financing,” said Mike Corn, CEO of CU Realty Services. “Credit unions were often shut out of the mortgage-lending business because agents had relationships with one or two preferred lenders. Now, with 90 percent of homebuyers starting their searches on the Internet, credit unions using CU Realty can be there from the beginning of the process. They can help members find the home of their dreams – and their agent – online. And those members can save money at the same time.”
Corn says CU Realty provides credit unions the opportunity to be that first point of contact for members looking for a home – important because more than 80 percent of homebuyers stick with the first Realtor they meet.
“Using our online program, credit union members can pre-qualify for a loan before they ever speak with an agent,” he said. “And we also make it easy to choose from among pre-screened, trained Realtors who steer members back to the credit union for financing.”
“Everybody wins,” said Colleen Daly, SVP, Lending for Northwest Federal Credit Union. “Members save money, we grow our loan business and the agents we work expand their client relationships. In turn, helping people buy their own homes strengthens the communities we serve.”
CU Realty says the program spells success on three fronts: members save on closing costs and are provided with a network of knowledgeable Realtors, who provide high-quality service; credit unions increase their mortgage portfolios; and qualified agents receive pre-approved leads from the credit union.
About CU Realty Services
CU Realty Services provides real estate services to credit unions across the nation, helping them increase their purchase mortgage business. Launched in 2001, the company has worked with more than 100 credit unions and thousands of their members. CU Realty’s range of web-based tools helps homebuyers find homes, research neighborhoods, calculate costs and connect to experienced real estate agents. For more information, call Tina Powers at (800) 203-9014, ext. 104, or visit www.curealty.com.