RISMEDIA, July 2, 2009-Many financial institutions do not truly understand the personal and business financial requirements of real estate brokers and their agents-many of whom are independent contractors. REALTORS® now have a financial services resource designed specifically for them. REALTORS® Federal Credit Union (REALTORS® FCU) is sensitive to the work habits and lifestyles of real estate professionals, offering customized products and services to meet their unique financial and cash flow needs. Brokers and their agents now have the freedom to manage their finances the way they want.
“Realtors are busy people,” says NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) President Charles McMillan, a broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Dallas-Fort Worth. “Realtors FCU offers convenient, accessible financial services to our members when and where they need it. Realtors FCU is friendly to Realtors and truly a partner that members can trust.”
Dedicated to the Unique Financial Needs of Realtors
Realtors FCU, a new partner in NAR’s Realtor Benefits Program and a major component of NAR’s Second Century Initiatives, offers a full range of products supporting the professional and personal interests of Realtors.
“What makes us unique is that we understand Realtors,” says Realtors FCU President Tom Glatt. “They are who we serve. We understand what it means to run a small business or sole proprietorship and the peaks and valleys of the revenue cycle.”
100% Virtual Credit Union
The first completely virtual credit union, Realtors FCU opened for business on May 1, 2009. To accommodate Realtors’ busy schedules, the credit union is open seven days a week, offering 24-hour online account access and member care that provides friendly service and trusted advice by phone or online. Members also have access to thousands of surcharge-free ATMs nationwide and secure online banking and bill pay.
“We’re not some lumbering giant like a big-box bank,” explains Glatt. “I used to work with the Navy, and the admirals used to say that it takes eight miles to turn around a battleship. We’re more like a speedboat. We’re getting instant feedback from members and can turn around on a dime to respond immediately to their needs.”
Full Range of Financial Products and Services
Realtors FCU offers competitive rates on savings and lending products, access to surcharge-free ATM networks and many additional services for members. These include traditional and money market savings accounts; fee-free eChecking with overdraft protection and MasterCard® Debit Card; flexible personal loans and lines of credit; new and used vehicle loans; home loan financing; home equity loans and credit lines; and share certificates. Funds are federally insured to at least $250,000 and fully backed by the U.S. government.
More Services in the Future
Realtors FCU is growing quickly and has a number of products and services planned for the future, including Rewards Checking accounts, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), Simplified Employee Pension Plans (SEPPs) and business services.
More Information
NAR members and their families are eligible to become members of Realtors FCU and access their unique financial services. Apply online at REALTORSFCU.ORG.
About the Realtor Benefits Program
The Realtor Benefits Program is offered as a benefit of NAR membership. NAR has partnered with industry leaders to provide Realtors with value-added offers and significant savings on products and services they use every day.
For the most up-to-date list of Program partners, please visit www.REALTOR.org/REALTORBenefits.
