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Android App

CU Companies Launches Android App

New Brighton, Minn (September 4, 2012) – CU Companies announces the release of a free mobile application for Android devices for use by its owners and partners. Among the many features of the app are the delivery of mortgage rates, educational information including articles and video, and a location-based ATM finder showing more than 400,000 ATM locations worldwide.

CU Companies released its iPhone application, currently available on the iPhone App Store, in April of this year. “Offering the addition of the Android app broadens the reach of our owners and partners to their borrowers,” said LeAnn Achtenberg, CU Companies Marketing Manager.

The CU Companies mobile applications allow users the option to watch a mortgage rate and receive push notifications every time a rate changes. App users also have the option of receiving news articles and alerts.

“The key features are aimed at building a relationship with the borrower,” said Brad Crandall, CU Companies CEO. “We see CU Companies’ role as being a resource to our owners and partners.”

Therefore, the organization is offering a choice in the use of the apps. Financial institutions can promote the CU Companies-branded apps to their markets to deliver information, or they can choose to tailor the entire app to their own brand.

“Offering branded mobile apps is another example of our commitment to help our owners and partners succeed," said Crandall. "We have taken on the development, utilizing progressive technologies, so participation is at a fraction of the cost.”

The option to customize is made available at a much less expensive cost than if the financial institution developed an app on its own because the original CU Companies app is being used as a model.

Crandall goes on to say, “Part of our role is to help our owners and partners stay relevant and engaged with their marketplace. Launching a program that allows them to purchase customized apps at a discounted price plays into our original company makeup of offering a better product united than what can be accomplished alone. It also allows those financial institutions to communicate a message utilizing technology while not breaking their budgets.”

In addition to the features in the CU Companies-branded apps, the custom-branded apps allow for users to find their financial institution's branch locations, watch their videos, access their web site, link to their social media, contact them, and sign up for e-news, special offers, and information changes. The financial institution has complete control of their content through a secure online Content Management System hosted in a SSAE 16 data center.

iPhone app

CU Companies Launches iPhone App

New Brighton, Minn (April 12, 2012) - Credit Union Owned Service Organization, CU Companies, today released a free mobile application for the Apple iPhone for use by its owner and partner credit unions' memberships. Among the many features of the app are the delivery of mortgage rates, educational information including articles and video, and a location-based ATM finder showing more than 400,000 locations throughout the world.

CU Companies also announces the release of a customizable version of the application to its owner and partner credit unions. LeAnn Achtenberg, CU Companies Marketing Manager, states "This provides our owners and partners an opportunity to reach their members in a way that sets them apart from their competition."

"The offer of a branded app to credit unions is another example of our commitment to help our partners succeed. We have taken on the development investment so they can take advantage of the technology at a fraction of the cost," said Brad Crandall, CU Companies CEO.

The CU Companies app allows users to watch a mortgage rate and receive a push notification every time a rate changes. Users of the app will receive consistent updates of information from rate updates several times daily to timely articles. The app is launching with four educational videos on topics such as ways to improve your credit score, why you should work with a realtor, things to think about when buying a home, and what you should know when working with a lender. And, contacting an expert who can answer user's questions is fast and easy with an integrated contact form, which also includes office locations, contact information and mapping directions.

"Part of our role is to help our owners and partners stay relevant and engaged with their memberships," said Crandall. "Launching a program that allows them to purchase a customized app at a discounted price plays into our original company makeup of offering products and services collaboratively."

In addition to the features in the CU Companies branded app, the credit union customized app allows for users to find their credit union's branches, watch credit union videos, access the credit union's web site, link to the credit union's social media, contact the credit union, and sign up for credit union e-news, special offers, and information changes. The credit union has complete control of their content through a secure online Content Management System hosted in a SAS70 data center.

The CU Companies app and the customizable option are currently available for the Apple iPhone. An Android version is expected in the coming weeks.

Benefits to a First Time Home Buyer

A first time home buyer loan provides the buyer the ability to get a loan more easily. However, just because you are a first time home buyer you may not be eligible for a special program. Do your research. Some programs have restrictions and strings attached and my not be the best option for you.
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Why You Need a Realtor

Purchasing a home is a milestone in anyone's life. Be prepared and have an advocate that has your best interest in mind.

Real estate agents are negotiators and will help you make your offer and counter offers to get you the best deal.
Agents have worked with thousands of people, they can get a general sense of how well the deal is going and they understand the market place
Your agent is a vault of knowledge, tap into that know-how whenever possible
And they are first-time buyer specialists
Don't get sucked in by the bells and whistles of larger firms. Bigger is not always better.
Do the research. Know your company is ethical and has your best interest in mind.
And finally make sure you know the commissions and fees of the realtor. You don't want to be taken advantage of.

Don't do this alone. For more information please visit the resources section of our website.

Things to Think About When Buying a Home

If you are planning to buy your first home or are moving to a new home we can help you navigate through the options available.

First ask yourself, "am I ready to buy?" As any financial advisor will tell you - look at your budget and determine what you can afford. Purchasing a home forces you to take analysis of your credit and can be one of the most important and impactful financial decisions you will make.