Over the course of a single orbit around your sun, Earthlings celebrate many holidays and special events. I’ve learned this is especially true during this segment of Earth’s annual journey. Every geographic location and every person celebrate something near and dear to them and, as a result of these diverse and exciting cultural events, this period of time is simply referred to as “the holidays.”
One of my favorite pastimes during the holiday season (if you can even call it a “pastime”—I’ve only been on Earth for three years) is visiting the shopping malls. But it’s not for the obvious reason of finding great sales. For that, I stick to ICGE—the Intergalactic Commerce & Goods Exchange. This is my home planet of Amicitia’s version of your Earthing mega online shopping sites. It’s the only place where I can find gifts for my intergalactic family and friends.
My reason for visiting the mall during the busy holiday season is for people watching. I learn so much by observing my colleagues and other Earthlings every day, but during the holidays, Shazbot! The stress, hustle and bustle of the holiday season bring out the best (and worst) of everyone. Quite an interesting social experiment.
Mind you, I need to wear a costume or disguise when I visit the mall, as not to frighten anyone not familiar with their friends from beyond the stars. This year, I got the idea from a movie to wear a smiling Patrick Mahomes mask. You’d think this would draw more attention, but in all actuality, since no one wants to hear about the “Patrick Price” or other insurance perks, they generally avoid striking up conversations.
Last weekend, I found a seat near Santa Land and watched the Big Guy listen to and talk with children of all ages. To my great astonishment, there were quite a few visitors who were hesitant or downright frightened to see Mr. Kringle, let alone approach him for a picture. I figured everyone would be overjoyed to see the person whose only job is to deliver gifts and happiness. Why the uncertainty? Why the hesitation? Why the fear?
Unfortunately, these somewhat irrational feelings are common in instances other than pictures with Santa Claus. Take our mortgage industry, for example. While the last year and a half has seen unprecedented activity, there are still many—and I mean MANY—individuals out there who demonstrate a similar uncertainty, hesitation or fear when it comes to mortgages. “How can I afford a 20% down payment?” “My credit probably isn’t high enough to qualify.” “Where do I even begin this process?”
True, the pessimism of a Grinch can overshadow all the great things associated with home ownership. And that’s where Santa’s helpers come in.
At the mall, his helpers are the calming factor as children approach St. Nick for their photo to be taken. They talk to the children and help put them at ease by reassuring them that a visit with Santa is a great opportunity and a very exciting thing. In credit union mortgage lending, these actions should sound a bit familiar to what we do for members who are unsure about seeking a mortgage.
As partners of potential homeowners, its our job to listen to their concerns and provide insight, information and expertise that will help them realize the opportunity before them. To do so, we need to start off on the right tentacle and ensure that the application process is a far cry from the dreadful long line that leads to a potentially scary end.
The application process should be user friendly, easy to navigate, full of information and convenient for the member. This should be a thrilling event for them and developed to flow easily and efficiently, thus taking as much “worry” out of the process as possible. Setting realistic expectations is also an important part of the process.
This is a tremendous area of focus at myCUmortgage as we continue to provide the relationship-building combination of enhanced technology that gives mortgage-seekers convenience and the personalized service that only Earthlings who work at credit unions and myCUmortgage can provide.
Meanwhile, back at the mall, I just witnessed a youngster screaming after seeing Santa. I can’t tell if the screaming is due to the interaction with the Big Guy or the fact that the kid is stuffed into a snowsuit and can’t put his arms down. He looks like a tick about to pop!
I’m thinking Santa will have better luck with the blond boy in the horn-rimmed glasses who’s next in line. If I had to make the call, he looks like he wants a football for Christmas…
From me, my Amicitian family and my myCUmortgage family, have a very happy holiday season, however you and your loved ones celebrate it. And please, smile for your picture with Santa and everyone else you’re spending the holidays with!