Virginia-based CU members earn $5 million in Cash Rewards through the HomeAdvantage network of CU-centric real estate agents
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., September 26, 2018—When Northwest Federal Credit Union implemented CU Realty Services’ HomeAdvantage® program in 2004, the credit union wanted the ability to connect their members with trusted, reliable real estate agents who could assist them with buying or selling a home. Fast forward 14 years. Northwest Federal continues to provide members access to a full network of HomeAdvantage agents but has now delivered more than $5 million in savings—in the form of HomeAdvantage Cash Rewards—at the closing table.
Northwest Federal is one of nine credit unions to be inducted into CURS’ elite Million Dollar Club, which recognizes high-performing credit union clients that use the HomeAdvantage program to make homeownership more affordable. Credit unions that are inducted have helped members save a minimum of $1 million via HomeAdvantage Cash Rewards since program inception. Northwest Federal is the first to exceed the $5 million milestone.
“Exceeding the $5 million mark with HomeAdvantage Cash Rewards is a very big deal for our credit union and our members,” said Joe Talmadge, vice president of mortgage lending at Northwest Federal. “We’re proud to be partnered with an organization that allows our members to save so much money, which in turn helps make their home ownership dreams come true.”
When members use the HomeAdvantage program, they get access to a complete residential real estate website that allows them to search for homes online, connect with local, experienced real estate agents, plus earn Cash Rewards at closing. A Northwest Federal member saves $2,200 on average.
Tyler Weepie is one of those members. Weepie liked what his credit union had to offer: a quick connection with an experienced real estate agent and Cash Rewards at closing.
“Because HomeAdvantage gave me the agent connection, I immediately found a great real estate agent. He was very understanding and patient as we looked at least a dozen places, and I had a lot of questions,” said Weepie. 
After finding the perfect home, Weepie had a pleasant surprise at the closing table. “I decided to use my Cash Rewards towards my closing costs. Once everything was done, my actual closing costs were under $200. I was shocked when I added it all up,” Weepie said. “That really made the process golden.”
“We’ve had the privilege of working with Northwest Federal for more than a decade,” said Tina Powers, COO of CU Realty Services. “Over that time, the mortgage team has been steadfast about maximizing all that HomeAdvantage has to offer. And as a result, Northwest Federal has helped make homeownership more affordable for thousands of members.”
Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the credit union serves more than 260,000 members who work for various U.S. government agencies, local member companies and organizations.
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 Northwest Federal Credit Union
Northwest Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial institution ranking among the largest credit unions in Virginia and in the top 60 credit unions in the nation. Established in 1947 and headquartered in Herndon, Va., Northwest Federal’s Why is to serve and inspire to transform lives. The credit union currently serves more than 260,000 members and has assets in excess of $3.3 billion. For more information, visit nwfcu.org or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.
