Signs with CU Realty Services, firm’s first partnership in the Sunshine State
Scottsdale, Ariz. and Pembroke Pines, Fla. (Oct. 19, 2012) – With numerous indications that the housing market is finally making a comeback, Tropical Financial Credit Union is stepping up its efforts to help members who will soon be in the market to buy or sell a home. Through a new partnership with CU Realty Services, the Credit Union is offering members more than mortgage loans.
Now, Tropical Financial CU members have access to a real estate program that helps with their entire home buying or selling transaction. From the Credit Union’s website, members can access a full array of web-based tools for finding the right home and connecting with the right real estate agent – all while saving thousands of dollars at closing.
“Offering the CU Realty program supported our commitment to work as advocates for our members,” said Rich Helber, President/CEO of Tropical Financial CU. “It’s an excellent tool for our members, especially when it comes to one of the biggest financial decisions they will ever make.”
Designed to position credit unions as their members’ FIRST POINT OF CONTACT® in the real estate process, the CU Realty Services program typically results in a larger share of the mortgage-lending business for participating credit unions. One of the most-cited benefits of the program: Members of these credit unions can access a network of approved Realtors®, with agents offering discounts on their commissions, meaning lower closing costs for members.
Tropical Financial CU is the first partnership in Florida for CU Realty Services. The firm acquired a Florida real estate brokerage license and joined the MLS, as well as the Florida Association of Realtors – opening opportunities for additional credit unions in the state to easily join the program.
“Credit unions appreciate the value this service brings to their members,” said Mike Corn, CEO of CU Realty Services. “Each piece – from saving money on closing costs, to using our turnkey, online realty program – is designed with credit union members in mind.”
Before launching the realty service earlier this month, Tropical Financial CU publicized it through printed flyers, website updates, banners and electronic signs in the lobby. Staff received training led by CU Realty staff and attended “get acquainted” sessions with Realtors.
The Credit Union expects CU Realty to help increase its purchase mortgage business – something other CU Realty credit unions have experienced. According to Corn, credit unions participating in CU Realty Services, a CUSO working with more than 100 credit unions and thousands of their members, have seen significant increases in their purchase mortgage business – some by as much as 40 percent.
For more information about the CU Realty Services program, visit www.curealty.com.
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 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, (800) 203-9014, ext. 104, or visit www.curealty.com.
About Tropical Financial Credit Union
Tropical Financial Credit Union, headquartered in Pembroke Pines, Florida, was founded in 1935 and offers a full range of financial services to 54,000 members throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Sarasota counties. TFCU’s mission is to provide the financial education as well as the competitive products and services that help members achieve their financial goals. For more information, please visit www.tropicalfcu.com.