Virginia-based CU hits million dollar milestone with the HomeAdvantage network of CU-centric real estate agents
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., December 15, 2016—When Apple Federal Credit Union implemented CU Realty Services’ HomeAdvantage® program in 2004, they wanted the ability to connect their members with trusted, reliable real estate agents who could assist them with buying or selling a home. Now 12 years later, Apple FCU continues to provide members access to a full network of HomeAdvantage agents, while delivering more than $1.3 million in savings—in the form of Cash Rewards—at the closing table.
While hundreds of credit unions across the U.S. have partnered with HomeAdvantage, Apple is one of only eight CUs to exceed the $1 million milestone, joining CU Realty Services’ elite Million Dollar Club.
“Reaching the $1 million milestone is an exciting achievement for Apple FCU, as we are giving back and making a difference to our members,” said Rob Drake, mortgage originations manager at Apple FCU. “To be able to put money in our members’ pockets is always a good thing, especially when they can use it to offset closing costs or purchase items to help furnish their new home.”
Headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, the credit union serves more than 185,000 members from local education systems or who live in Fairfax, Frederick or Prince William counties. When their members use the HomeAdvantage program, they get a one-stop, home buying experience that allows them to search for homes online, connect with local, program-approved real estate agents plus earn Cash Rewards—an average of $2,000—at closing.
Drake says the robust HomeAdvantage program gives their members access to many trusted resources and tools they wouldn’t otherwise have access to. And the advantages don’t stop there. “A big benefit to our credit union is the ability to capture more purchase mortgage business,” Drake said. “Nearly 90 percent of our members who use the HomeAdvantage program, finance their mortgage at Apple FCU. By offering HomeAdvantage, we’re able to identify members early in the home buying process and nurture them from start to finish—before they find an agent or another lender.”
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 home buyers 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.
CU Realty Services partners with hundreds of credit unions and mortgage CUSOs in 24 states. To learn how credit unions are becoming members’ first point of contact, visit www.curealty.com.
About Apple Federal Credit Union
Established in 1956 by teachers, Apple FCU is ranked as a top 100 credit union nationwide, serving more than 185,000 members with $2.2 billion in assets. As a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative, Apple FCU serves a diverse community of local education systems and anyone who lives or works in Fairfax, Frederick (VA) and Prince William counties. Members enjoy competitive rates, as well as fair and honest products and services, within a trusted environment. The Credit Union is fully committed to making a positive impact within the region, not only in financial services, but also in community involvement, financial literacy and charitable giving. To learn more, visit AppleFCU.org. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Opportunity Lender.
