CU Realty program helps connect with home buyers and grow purchase mortgages
Scottsdale, Ariz. Nov. 2, 2015 – Star One Credit Union in Sunnyvale, Calif., is partnering with CU Realty Services for its HomeAdvantage program. The $7.7 billion Credit Union says it is focused on providing members with long-term financial solutions, and that includes the resources to make smart home-buying decisions.
“The HomeAdvantage program fits well with our efforts to help members make good financial choices, such as providing information on buying a home, repairing credit and other financial fitness issues,” said Kevin Collins, Star One’s Senior Vice President of Loan Services. “Not only can members use HomeAdvantage’s online tools to learn about various neighborhoods and look for the right home, but they also can be confident they’re receiving sound advice through the program’s network of real estate agents.”
According to Collins, Star One’s focus on members’ financial wellbeing aligns with CU Realty’s emphasis on serving as a real estate advocate.
“HomeAdvantage’s online resources and network of experienced agents will complement our internal efforts to guide members through the home-buying process,” he said. “Also, members benefit from the Cash Reward at closing – typically when money is tight. And at the same time, Star One is building solid real estate connections through CU Realty’s pool of qualified agents.”
Mike Corn, CU Realty’s President/CEO, says Star One is a good model for other credit unions wanting to boost their mortgage loans and deepen member relationships.
“At CU Realty, we believe when credit unions serve as their members’ real estate advocate, it strengthens member connections, and Star One is living that premise,” Corn said. “Just consider its 5.6% growth in member relationships – to $86,000 on average. They are doing the right things, and CU Realty is excited to help by providing the home-buying and selling tools to continue the trend.”
HomeAdvantage is a turnkey real estate program that allows members to find properties, research neighborhoods, connect with a knowledgeable real estate agent familiar with their credit union’s products and earn a Cash Reward at closing – a savings of about $1,500 per transaction. When a member interested in buying or selling a home registers for the program, the credit union is kept apprised of where the member is within the real estate process.
CU Realty Services partners with hundreds of credit unions and mortgage CUSOs in 22 states. To learn how credit unions are becoming members’ real estate advocate, visit www.curealty.com.
About Star One Credit Union
Star One Credit Union was founded (chartered) in 1956 as a member-owned cooperative and has grown to become one of the largest credit unions headquartered in Santa Clara County and the tenth largest in the nation. Star One Credit Union offers a wide range of financial services, including high yield deposit accounts, low-rate consumer and real estate loans, electronic banking services and free ATM access. Star One has branches in Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Palo Alto and San Jose, California and serves more than 94,000 members nationwide.
About CU Realty Services, LLC
CU Realty Services provides real estate services to credit unions across the nation, helping them increase their purchase mortgage business. Launched in 2001, the CUSO 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, connect to experienced real estate agents, and earn a Cash Reward. By offering this program to members, credit unions are able to achieve significant increases in their purchase mortgage business.
