Whether running a sole proprietorship, small business, partnership or corporation, members of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) are managing and growing their businesses with the help of the REALTORS® Federal Credit Union, a Division of Northwest Federal Credit Union. As a not-for-profit cooperative financial institution, owned and operated by its members, the Credit Union channels its profits back to its members in the form of better loan terms, higher yields on savings products, and fewer and lower fees on transaction costs.
The Credit Union Difference
The Credit Union offers brokers and their agents all of the same products and services as other lending institutions. However, with a mission to be an innovative, secure and responsible financial services provider, the Credit Union is dedicated to serving the financial needs of REALTORS® in a cost-effective way that recognizes the unique savings, lending and credit needs of people in the real estate profession, including REALTORS® who may be self-employed.
Originally founded in 2008 by the National Association of REALTORS®, REALTORS® Federal Credit Union was the first-ever virtual credit union. Fields of membership for the Credit Union include REALTORS® and immediate family members, NAR member boards, institutes, societies and councils, REALTOR®-owned businesses, state and local associations, and local boards.
The Credit Union offers various business and personal financial products and services for real estate professionals.
Small Business Administration Loan Financing Made Easy
A common misconception is that Small Business Administration (SBA) loans are complex or cumbersome. REALTORS® with clients seeking commercial properties turn to the Credit Union to better understand SBA loan eligibility, proceed uses, amounts, fees, interest rates, repayment terms, and to gain application processing assistance.
Competitive Commercial Real Estate Loans
Senior financial professionals with commercial real estate expertise guide REALTORS® through the entire loan process with a simpler underwriting and application process. Commercial real estate loans with competitive interest rates; 5, 7, and 10-year terms; 25-year amortization; and no prepayment penalties are available for purchase, refinance, improvements and new construction. With faster than other lending institution turnaround times, REALTOR® members of the Credit Union receive commitment letters within seven to ten days from application submission.
Dividend-Earning, Business Savings Accounts
The Credit Union’s business savings accounts help REALTOR®-owned businesses prepare for future opportunities and unexpected expenses. The dividend-earning account offers the flexibility needed to operate a business efficiently and plan for future growth with a $5 minimum opening deposit, no monthly maintenance fee, and dividends compounded daily, paid monthly. REALTORS® savings accounts are federally insured up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Association and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government.
More Business Loan and Savings Products
In addition, the Credit Union offers REALTORS® business lines of credit as a solution to short-term funding needs. Whether it’s for capital to increase inventory, to fund seasonal cash flow, or to take advantage of unexpected opportunities, both revolving and closed-end credit programs are available. Business term loans are also available for new equipment, vehicles and more.
On the savings side, the Credit Union offers business-share certificates as a solution to help REALTORS® earn stable and secure returns on their investments with a $500 minimum opening deposit. Business money market accounts are also available for businesses looking for high-yield savings with immediate access to funds when needed.
Re:sources
To learn more about business and personal financial products for real estate professionals, visit www.realtorsfcu.org.
