If you wondering about credit union vs bank for mortgage and confused about how to choose credit union vs bank for mortgage. Here’s the solution for you.
You have several options on where to get a mortgage, and it is not just big and regional bank lenders. Credit unions are raising their stake in the mortgage market, as well. Credit unions not only offer competitive lending terms and more personal customer service, but they also offer more flexible lending criteria in some cases.
Still, depending on your financial situation, traditional banking may be a better option. If you are trying to decide between a credit union vs bank for mortgage, here’s what to consider.
What is a credit union mortgage?
Simply put, a credit union mortgage is a loan product that can be used to finance a home when you cannot afford to pay in cash. When a credit union mortgage is approved, the lender pays the seller directly and you pay the lender in installments over a period of time.
Pros of getting a credit union mortgage
Curt Long, chief economist and vice president of research for the National Federation of Insured Credit Unions (NAFCU), said — “More & more people are learning that they can find the best deal & the best service in town at a credit union”.
The benefits of obtaining a mortgage through a credit union include:
Lower fees
Credit unions are known for their fewer fees. You are likely to see fewer fees and rates at credit unions because they pass on any savings to their members.
Bob Dosa, former chairman of the American Credit Union Mortgage Association in Las Vegas, said they are generally different from banks whose sole purpose is to generate income for investors. “The [credit union] ‘shareholders’ themselves are members and customers,” Dorsa says.
Lower rates
If you are searching to get the best mortgage rate possible, there is a bonny chance you will find it at a credit union.
Long says–“On average, credit unions offer fewer rates on mortgage loans,”.
Keep remember, even a flabbily lower rate can have a big effect on the interest you pay over the life of the loan.
Better personalization and service
Long Says–Credit unions are known for their superior and best service. For example, there’s a greater chance that you will know your servicer.
In bank mortgages, it is common for the company collecting mortgage payments to change several times over the life of the loan. This is generally not the case for credit unions.
“Credit unions maintain a higher proportion of originated loans in their portfolios than other lenders who are more eventual to sell loans & their servicing to third parties,” says Long.
“Credit union borrowers are more eventual to maintain the relationship they develop with the lender for the life of the loan.” You may save late fees that may otherwise be incurred payment.
Additionally, credit unions can provide more professional advice on the type of loan you need.
Simple approval
If you don’t have great credit, you may be better off getting a mortgage from a credit union rather than a bank.
Prospective homebuyers without traditional profiles like good credit can benefit from credit union mortgages, says Long: Founders. ”
Cons of getting a credit union mortgage
The advantages of credit unions are not as apparent when looking for mortgage rates, because credit unions don’t have the marketing scale banks have, which is why they commonly don’t seem in searches for obscure rates, says Rich Arzaga, CEO & Founder, of Cornerstone Wealth Management in San Ramon, California.
The cons of getting a mortgage from a credit union include:
Membership requirements
Banks normally allow anyone with the appropriate credit requirements to apply for and qualify for a loan. Credit unions, on the other hand, require membership.
“Many credit unions have memberships based on their target market,” he says. If you don’t meet the requirements, you won’t be able to get a mortgage with that particular credit union.
However, joining a credit union is not as difficult as you might think. There are special credit unions for alumni associations, fellowships, houses of worship, and other types of affiliations.
Some credit unions, such as the PenFed Credit Union, offer statewide membership to anyone who wishes to join.
Lagging technology
If you’re looking for a lender with a world-class online experience or intuitive technology, consider a bank or online institution over a credit union.
“For those who choose to use technology to track their finances, credit union technology is lagging behind,” he says.
Credit unions don’t have as many regional branches as regional or national banks, so technology capabilities will be an important consideration, he said. This can be a hitch when trying to access funds from out of state or out of the country.
“It technology gap becomes extra clear when a borrower wants to use an app that brings the financial matters together in one place”. “You may not be able to link your savings bank account”.
Limited branch access
In general, most credit unions have smaller geographic footprints than national banks.
Banking with a financial institution that has no national presence makes access to funds more difficult when operating outside the core business, especially when credit union technology is lacking.
Some credit unions have a common banking network with broad access to ATMs, but not always.
The potentially higher overall cost
Credit unions often offer excellent interest rates to their members, but sometimes credit unions cannot compete with the big banks.
The problem is that banks regularly offer significantly lower mortgage rates,” says Arzaga. “Combined with lower minimum deposit rates, the difference can be significant.”
This makes it important to check mortgage rates with both credit unions and banks.
Credit union vs bank for mortgage: How to choose the right lender
Banks make up the majority of the mortgage market, but credit unions are a must when looking for a lender. These member-owned institutions offer many benefits, including low Fees, Fees, and Superior Customer Service.
“Credit union loans are a resource for those who want to defer bank support (which some people strongly decisively), prefer a personalized experience, and scrutinize preferential interest rates,” he says.
However, if you are not a member of a credit union or prefer a financial institution that uses technology to provide more seamless lending and loan services, a bank may be a better choice.
Look around many different lenders and choose the one that best suits your needs and financial situation.
Read also: The 9 Benefits of Online Loan App