To sprout this conversation, I want to start with an apology. I realize that by reading the title of this post, you inevitably will have the Chia Pet® infomercial jingle stuck in your cranium for the rest of the day, and for that, I’m s-s-s-sorry. But who of my readers has owned one of these fascinating decorative planters? Please share and let’s compare which “pets” we each had.
I received my pet during the most recent holiday season as part of a white elephant gift exchange. I donated a gift-wrapped paper mâché sculpture of an actual white elephant, only to discover that elephants have nothing to do with this holiday game. Did I ever have ecto-slime on my face for that. However, the decorative Chia Pet planter I received did intrigue me, as it bared a comedic resemblance to a famous Halloween character in a white mask that the colleague who purchased it so much adored. I slithered away from the party quite pleased with my winnings.
This past week, I finally opened the box and started the process of growing my novelty chia. As I examined the directions, laid out the process and prepared for my adventure in fun and bad hair days, I realized that it’s not as simple as the spokespeople on TV make it out to be. It looks like – from the infomercial – that you dump some seeds on the planter where the “hair” is supposed to be, add some water and watch it grow almost instantaneously. For those of us who have experienced the Chia Pet process, we know it’s not quite that simple.
Indeed, while the process is not quantum physics (which I’m particularly astute in), growing your chia does take a little more time and effort than I originally expected. But, just like anything worth its weight in dilithium crystals, if you want a great result, you must put some work into it and expect some twists and turns along the way, kind of like a credit union member seeking a mortgage.
Read the Directions: Just like any product, if there are directions that come with it, READ THEM! My chia didn’t have too many directions, but each step and the execution of each step was important to follow, so reviewing it in its entirety was a good decision. For your members, while there isn’t a traditional set of directions when applying for a mortgage, you can provide them your expertise and insight on the process and lead them through it. You, in essence, are their directions and quick reference guide for their entire journey.
Preparation: Once I read all the directions, I retrieved the supplies I needed and created a workspace in the galley of my spaceship, organizing everything in the order that I’d use them. For your members, you most likely already informed them during the “directions” stage of the things they need to supply for their journey (e.g., pay stubs, IDs, financial statements, etc.). Help them gather and organize these now as they prepare to fill out their application or, if they’ve already completed the application, get their journey started!
Get Dirty: Here’s the step they conveniently omitted from the infomercials, where I had to soak and mix seeds and water that eventually formed a sticky, gooey paste not conducive to my natural slime coat. I’m still finding hardened chia chunks adhering to control knobs, eating surfaces and ME! While you and your members shouldn’t have to get to this level of dirty, sometimes a little digging is necessary. Requests for additional information are common as are supporting materials stemming from previously provided information and/or specific loan products identified during this part of the journey.
Wait: As the saying goes, waiting is the hardest part, but that’s what I was instructed to do with my chia. Leave it alone for a couple of days, which seemed like an eternity as excitement grew when I envisioned the chlorophyll green follicles sprouting and enveloping my planter. For your members – who don’t go through the homebuying process more than a few times in their lives – waiting is tough as well. They may have questions or concerns when there is no news or things for them to be doing. Be sure to communicate with them during the processing period with updates using their preferred communication channels.
Sprouting: After that long wait, there it was – sprouting all over the surface of my chia planter. It went from no activity to the birth of new chia, requiring me to start up my activity once again, stimulating growth with the addition of water and a simulated greenhouse environment. In the credit union mortgage process, this is when the loan is going through underwriting and stipulations pop up. The loan is growing steadily but it still needs a little help from the member. Be sure to communicate and explain this process, as it can be confusing to anyone not familiar with it.
Fast Growth: Once it started growing, the chia became a legitimate lush covering on my planter. I simply kept on watering, and it kept on growing! For your member scenario, this is that quick turnaround from loan approval to getting ready for closing. The title company has some needs of their own, so you can assist the member through them with consultation and more education on the process.
Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia: My hard work, thoroughness and patience paid off as my Chia Pet sported a thick, beautiful green head of “hair” and is ready for the closing table – figuratively, of course. Rather at this point, your members – sans chia – have hopefully earned their trip to the closing of their new home!
Theoretically, there is a next step with the chia process which is to clean off the planter and do it all over again. For credit union mortgage lenders, stay in touch with your members throughout the life of the loan – with the right digital tools, reports and ongoing communications, you may be able to anticipate when they’re ready to start the process again. And to assist you further, why not present them with their own Chia Pet as a post-closing celebration gift!
The new Chia Pet, along and a copy of this blog post, is symbolic of their effort with the homebuying process and completing their journey. Just as the chia process can be repeated successfully, when your members are ready to do the homebuying process all over again, the chia will act as a subtle reminder to come back to your credit union for all their homeownership needs.