CONTACT:
Lisa Mallow
MJB Public Relations Group, LLC
913.385.2232 or 866.714.7041
lisa@mjbpr.com
Scottsdale, Ariz. (Jan. 27, 2012) – CU Realty Services, LLC has engaged Margaret J. Blankers Public Relations Group, LLC as its Agency of Record, effective the beginning of this year. CU Realty’s CEO, Mike Corn, says the company will work with MJB PR Group to educate the credit union community on the benefits of serving as the “first point of contact” for members buying or selling a home.
“Being involved in the process from the beginning both strengthens member relationships and creates a new channel for credit unions to grow their mortgage loan portfolios,” Corn said. “It’s well-documented that better than 80 percent of homebuyers stay with the first Realtor® they meet, often asking that agent for help finding a loan. By providing the tools for credit unions to participate in the process before an agent is chosen, they become valuable partners.”
CU Realty’s real estate program connects members with a network of pre-screened Realtors who have received special training and education on credit union philosophy. These agents assist members with researching neighborhoods and homes, and then guide them back to the credit union for financing.
“We’re excited to be working with Mike and his team to help credit unions grow their home loan portfolios through these innovative real estate services,” said Margaret Blankers, President of MJB Public Relations Group. “This is a message that bears repeating.”
Typically, credit unions only get involved when – and if – a member comes looking for a loan. Positioning themselves as the first point of contact is an entirely new approach, and Corn believes ramping up communication on how it works can help credit unions grow their purchase mortgage business.
“Many of the challenges in growing mortgage volumes are because credit unions and agents traditionally work in silos,” he said. “They represent different companies, have different tracks with buyers and little opportunity to collaborate. But growth isn’t going to happen organically; credit unions are going to have to take proactive steps. ”
Corn says home ownership is one of the most important, emotional decisions people make. “Imagine a member relying on your help from the start: your credit union becomes the key to that member’s realizing the dream of home ownership.”
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, (800) 203-9014, ext. 104, or visit www.curealty.com.