Shopping for a mortgage? Consider these three differences.

OCCU employee talking about mortgages to a female member
OCCU  -  06.13.2016

When shopping for a mortgage, many people instantly think mortgage broker. While mortgage brokers are certainly experts in mortgage loan programs, they are not your only option for funding for your new home loan. Credit Unions, like OCCU, offer the same mortgage programs as mortgage brokers, however, there are a few differences that may make a credit union a better lending option. Consider these differences when shopping for your next home loan.  

Leadership direction

Credit unions function similarly for its members as banks and other financial institutions, such as mortgage brokers, do for their customers. However, credit unions are member-owned, not-for-profit organizations, where banks are for profit and shareholder-owned. Credit unions exist to promote the well-being of their members. Governed by a member-elected board of directors, members are represented in the vision and direction of the organization.

Rates and fees

Credit unions provide many of the same services as banks, including savings and checking accounts, auto loans, home equity line of credit loans and mortgages. Because credit unions focus on serving the members rather than focusing solely on making a profit, they are able to add value to member through often offering better rates and lower fees.

It may seem counterintuitive that a credit union can offer better mortgage loan rates than a big bank. But that’s not necessarily so. Credit unions have access to the same government loan programs as mortgage brokers. The difference is in the rates and service. The higher the interest rate a broker gets for you, the higher commission they receive. As a not-for-profit, a credit union wants to get members the best possible rate, so its rate mark-up tends to be lower.

Service

With mortgage loans at big banks, the focus is on volume. As a credit union member, you are going to get a loan personalized for your needs. Credit unions want to find the best path for financial success for members now and in the future. For example, if you seek to refinance your loan and the numbers just don't make sense for you, a credit union will advise you against it. There will be no pressure to complete the loan to bolster the bottom line or so that someone can make a commission. It’s truly all about the member.

That service-minded guidance extends to the loan. The mortgage loan officers at OCCU educate homebuyers on the whole picture of their investment, beyond their monthly loan payment, taking insurance and taxes into account. OCCU isn’t going to push a member into a monthly payment that’s outside their comfort zone. Oftentimes, members qualify for a much higher amount than they may want to spend. OCCU wants to ensure the member is ready to take on all the costs associated with owning a home, which will set them up for long-term success.

Much like hunting the perfect home, you should shop around for the best mortgage too. We encourage you to consider a credit union, like OCCU, when researching your home loan options. The rate, as well as the company you’re doing business with, the fees associated with the loan and the service you’ll receive should all factor into your decision.

Learn more about the home buying process.