To say this winter has been eventful is somewhat of an understatement. Here in Ohio, we’ve been dealing with freezing temperatures and snow for what seems like forever. I know it’s been the same for many different parts of the country. And no matter what that grizzled thickset marmot had to say about the matter on Feb. 2, the calendar says that we still have another month before spring. I’m trusting science and will continue to bundle up, regardless of the groundhog’s insights.
With its combination of some of Mother Nature’s harshest elements, winter can certainly wreak a lot of havoc. For instance, although my spaceship is designed to withstand the freezing temperatures of deep space, it’s still no match for the salt and de-icing chemicals that the local maintenance crews have used on and around it. Apparently, the same issues hold true for your automobiles – I’ve heard several of my colleagues mention that they need to go to the car wash to get all the salt off their vehicles. I wonder if the car wash is equipped to handle my 25-metric-ton ship.
I joked about this with a friend, and he responded in sincerity that with the VIP plan offered at his favorite car wash, they may be able to assist me. Intrigued, I asked what else came with the VIP package, and he rattled off things like tire shine, wheel cleaning, undercarriage washing, tri-foam wax, clear coat protectant, air freshener, hand-drying and a shoeshine while you wait. Most of those don’t apply to my ship and I don’t wear shoes, so I moved on.
The entire conversation did get me thinking about the VIP programs many companies have to offer, and there was a natural segue within my cranium to the application of such programs in credit union mortgage lending (funny how that always seems to happen). What types of perks or specialty offers and services do we offer our members who enter VIP status? The short answer is, NONE!
The long answer, on the other hand, is that such programs and classifications are not what credit unions are all about. First, we treat all members equally and provide them with the same opportunities – no one can earn or purchase a pass to the front of the line. We are one family! Second, we offer VIP perks to ALL members because as a credit union, we do business a lot differently than our competitors. Every member is a VIP! For example, the “perks” that our members can realize include:
- Competitive Rates: As member-owned credit unions, we always put people over profits. That means we can deliver more value to our members, including competitive mortgage rates that help keep monthly payments manageable; lower fees, so more of the member’s money goes toward their home; and support from a local team that sees beyond the numbers.
- Flexibility: There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all mortgage. That’s why we’re proud to offer multiple home loan types to fit members’ needs, including low-to-no down payment options, first-time homebuyer programs and refinancing options.
- Expert Guidance: We don’t want our members navigating the complex homebuying journey alone, which is why we have teams of experts to help them understand their budget, find the right mortgage options and prepare them for their purchase by discussing credit scores, closing costs, timelines and next steps.
- Transparency: Credit unions make the mortgage application process simple and transparent for their members – no surprises or hidden fees, no guesswork and no hassles. We offer responsive support from people who care.
- Guidance and Partnerships: Buying a home is one of life’s biggest financial decisions. Members have peace of mind knowing their home loan partners have their back, looking out for them with flexible mortgage options, lower fees and reliable support from a team that’s there to guide them, not pressure them.
Are you and your credit union offering your members the VIP treatment they deserve? If not, you can easily start by sharing with them the “perks” outlined above, all designed to illustrate what a true home loan partnership is all about. (And did I mention that these perks and so much more are outlined in myCUmortgage’s Direct-to-Member Marketing Program that’s currently available to our credit unions as part of their partnership with us? Just sayin’…)
Please share any other steps you’re taking to show your members that they are VIPs at your credit union. We look forward to hearing about them! And keep warm – springtime is not far away!