Are you considering buying a home, refinancing your mortgage, or using a portion of your home equity to finance a major aspect like boosting your business or buying a car? Mortgages are a gem as you dive into home ownership. Nonetheless, considering how frustrating the terms can get, your new home can become a nightmare if you choose the wrong mortgage lender. The same commitment you employ when shopping for a home should apply, if not more, as you choose a lender. Look beyond the enticing interest rates by understanding the terms and conditions. Considering the pros versus cons of various services, there is hardly an option that can beat a reputable federal credit union.
Federal credit unions (FCU) operate under NCUA (National Credit Union Administration) regulations. FCUs are mainly member-owned; in most cases, you must be a member to take a mortgage. Each FCU has unique membership requirements, such as living/working in a certain area where branches are open, being a part of organizations like the military, or if you have a direct relative as a member. As a member-owned institution, FCUs prioritize their members’ interests, translating to friendlier mortgage terms and valuable support throughout your home hunt and buying process. Among the top benefits you stand to realize from a federal credit union mortgage include:
Competitive interest rates
Mortgage interest rate is often the top consideration. It is a wise checkpoint since the interest rate is among the major determining factors of the total loan cost. Traditional banks offer interest rates based on factors like creditworthiness and mortgage terms. While competitive, the rates are not as attractive compared to federal credit unions. This is because FCU focuses more on the interest of its members, not mainly on profits. As a member, you’ll access lower interest rates that you wouldn’t find in traditional banks or other lending institutions. This translates to lower home loan costs, making your home ownership endeavors more manageable.
Lower mortgage cost
Besides the interest rate, you need to account for other expenses that make up the total cost of the home loan. An irresistible interest rate may seem like a good idea, but you should account for the total cost to establish if it is affordable. Aspects like application charges, origination fees, and closing costs, among others, can make a mortgage more expensive than you anticipated. Since FCU’s main objective is to help the members secure affordable loans, they let you access lower fees and ease the financial burden as you buy a home.
Friendlier requirements
Mortgage eligibility requirements can be overwhelming. This includes considering your credit score, down payment, and the home you intend to buy. Traditional lending institutions’ mortgage applications are usually lengthy since they are profit-oriented. Following their criteria, you may not qualify for the desired mortgage amount. If you do, the loan terms may not be to your liking or risk tolerance.
Federal credit unions are member focused. Membership requirements vary, but they tend to be straightforward and friendlier. Once you become a member, securing a mortgage is easier and much faster since the FCU is focused more on what’s best for the members. Friendly eligibility means you may qualify for a mortgage you wouldn’t get from traditional lending institutions. The faster approval also means you won’t let a dream home slip off your fingers as you wait for the lengthy process to be completed to get the financing needed to close.
Better mortgage terms
A mortgage makes it easier to buy a home, but some terms and conditions can turn the dream into a nightmare. For instance, the monthly installments can leave you with little to nothing, yet you need to keep the home running and finance other aspects of your life. If you miss the installments, you may be heftily fined. This can be financially straining to the point of losing the home. As such, while shopping for a mortgage, you must look beyond the interest rate to ensure you pick an ideal product matching your situation, including potential changes.
Federal credit unions offer better mortgage terms to help the members comfortably fiancé their home ownership goals. Besides lower interest rates, you can find friendly terms like longer and flexible repayment periods. This means the mortgage installments won’t consume most of your finances, allowing you to repay the loan comfortably.
Diverse products
Mortgages are available in all sizes and shapes. This information is not readily available to everyone. For instance, you may miss out on government programs when shopping for mortgages from traditional lending institutions operating on a for-profit basis. This means you are stuck with the programs they offer, which could mean missing out on better mortgage products.
Federal credit unions make it easier to access extensive mortgage products. This includes government-sponsored programs like RHS (Rural Housing Service), FHA (Federal Housing Administration), and VA (Department of Veteran Affairs). Such programs feature friendlier mortgage requirements and terms. For instance, unlike traditional lenders, the programs are more lenient on your credit score. The down payment requirements are also lower, and the mortgage repayment period is often longer. Access to such diverse products ensures that you pick a mortgage best suited for your situation, minimizing chances of financial friction down the line that could result in losing the home.
Personalized services
The home-buying process can be daunting, considering all the moving parts that can be confusing. It means you can do with all the support you can get. Your federal credit union membership offers access to more than mortgage and other financial services. You become part of a community that offers personalized attention beyond picking the right financial products. You’ll find rich resources tailored to your unique situation. This helps you make a sound decision by leveraging readily available information and support. Becoming a homeowner is fulfilling, but the process, especially financing the investment, can be challenging. The right mortgage from the right lender can turn things around, allowing you to actualize your dreams easily. A reputable federal credit union is a great place to find financial products best suited to your situation. FCUs’ primary objective is to help their members beyond financial services. This means access to competitive mortgage products and information that can make your home ownership journey more productive.
Angela Spearman is a journalist at EzineMark who enjoys writing about the latest trending technology and business news.
