There is an expression here on Earth that I hear on a regular basis: “There are not enough hours in the day to [fill in the blank]. I’ve heard that “blank” filled in with everything from household chores to yardwork to holiday shopping (which is right around the corner in case you’ve missed the numerous television advertisements that have been running for weeks).
I’ve used the expression myself as it pertains to maintenance on my spaceship. Unfortunately, the local stores don’t carry dilithium infusers or oxidation converters; however, I have discovered Turtle Wax… my ship now has a sheen that can be seen from orbit!
For those of us yearning for an extra hour, our wish will be granted this weekend thanks to the end of Daylight Savings Time. Originally conceived by polymath Benjamin Franklin as a way for the United States to conserve candles, the practice continues today, despite our abundance of candles in all shapes, sizes, scents and purposes.
So, we’ve been granted an extra hour – what will you do with it? I believe this extra hour provides us – credit union mortgage lenders – with ample opportunities. Here are a few for you to consider.
- Watch a webinar: An extra hour is perfect to brush up on or learn something new about mortgage lending. A hot topic today is the renewed focus on Adjustable Rate Mortgages, or ARMs. The myCUmortgage Training Team just hosted a webinar on this very topic with one of our vendor partners, MGIC. An ARM might be a great option for your members looking to purchase a dwelling here on Earth. Contact the team to learn more about this and the many other learning opportunities available to our partner credit unions.
- Read some industry news: We all know how the world of credit union mortgage lending continues to change, so take an hour to help yourself stay ahead of some of those changes. Check out industry newsletters, blogs and other communications for tips and insights on how to help more members with homeownership in a true purchase loan market. More than ever, your members need to work with the credit union they know and trust.
- Talk to your PSM: myCUmortgage partner credit unions have an excellent resource available to them – their Partner Success Managers. Dedicated to helping you and your credit union mortgage operations, a chat with your PSM can get you caught up on opportunities in today’s purchase market, what’s new at myCUmortgage and learn what tools and services are available as part of your partnership. Plus, they are simply really great to converse with!
- Thank a myCUmortgage expert: Something I’ve realized during my tenure here on Earth at myCUmortgage is that there is a truly sincere and dynamic bond between our partner credit unions and our experts. Take a moment to thank your favorite myCUmortgage expert(s) and let them know how they are helping you and your members each and every day.
- Check on your pipeline: No matter the market conditions, members are still buying homes which means there’s a very good chance that you have some of them and/or a few TBDs (addresses To Be Determined) in your mortgage pipeline. Touch base with them to see how you can help with their homeownership dreams.
- Speaking of members: Don’t restrict yourself to reaching out only to members in your pipeline. Check in on members who recently closed a loan with you, those who have mortgages about to be paid off or ones with active home sale listings (ask your PSMs about tools that can help you identify these members). No matter the situation, show them that you and their trusted credit union are there to help wherever and however you can.
Please share how you are planning to use your extra hour this week. And always remember: ANY opportunity you get to interact with a member is a GREAT opportunity to demonstrate how you live “The Credit Union Way” and work with members to get more of them into homes.
As entrepreneur Michael Altshuler says, “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” Be sure your members are included in your one-hour flight plan this week.