Be Mortgage-Ready: Help Members Prepare for Market Opportunities

July 2025

Homeownership takes preparation — for buyers and for credit unions. Credit unions who offer mortgage services or who are thinking about offering these services can take steps to prepare for any economic shifts or a change in rates. When the market becomes favorable for homebuying or refinancing, credit unions will want to be ready to capitalize on the opportunity.

Three Important Factors In a Changing Market

Housing availability:
According to Housingwire, the current inventory of available homes on the market has climbed back to the pre-pandemic range. The current inventory is “32% more than this time last year.”
Possible rate cuts:
In addition to an increase in housing availability, an article in Forbes states that while predictions on interest rates are mixed, some experts think mortgage rates could still decrease this year. If there’s a possibility for rate cuts in September, credit unions will want to begin preparing now.
Negotiating power:
CNN reports that a Redfin analysis in May found that negotiating power may be moving back into the buyer’s hands because sellers outnumber buyers by a wide margin.

Why It Matters for Credit Unions

Credit unions need to prepare now for these possible shifts. Here’s how:

If you’ve been considering expanding your mortgage program, now is the time to prepare. MAM has been helping credit unions build out broader homeownership offerings since 2006, and we can help you stay ahead of any changes in the market.
Developing and launching educational tools takes time. MAM’s digital library and branded tools can help you start today, so you’re ready to serve tomorrow’s buyers.
Be ready to meet the needs of homebuyers before the need arises to avoid lag time or losing a member to another mortgage provider.

Why It Matters for Home Buyers

First-time buyers often need time and guidance to get mortgage-ready. Their needs may include:

Improve their credit score. Buyers may be unaware that their credit score or their past credit concerns can affect their current mortgage options. By working with the credit union to fix their credit, there won’t be any surprises when they apply for a mortgage.
Understanding mortgage options. First-time buyers may be unaware of all the options available to them and of the flexibility offered by their local credit union. They need to know their options before the market shifts or they find the right home for their situation.
Saving up for their first home. Credit unions offer buyers a secure place to begin saving for an eventual home purchase, and the opportunity to build a long term relationship together.

Credit unions are uniquely positioned to walk beside potential buyers as they work towards the goal of home ownership. It can make all the difference to a buyer when the right home or rate appears. Being prepared can help credit unions keep their business.

For credit unions looking to prepare potential buyers, check out these recent articles: How Credit Unions Can Help Members Save for a Downpayment and Educating Credit Union Members About Different Types of Mortgages.

Member Advantage Mortgage helps make credit unions the hero of their members’ homeownership journey, regardless of their size. We think the best place to start is by listening. Let’s start with a confidential conversation; just reach out to me and I’ll be in touch shortly.

Jim Mitchell
(616) 466-7793
[email protected]

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This information is solely for credit union and mortgage professionals and should not be distributed or provided to consumers or the general public.

This is not an offer for extension of credit nor a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions may apply. All approvals subject to underwriting guidelines. Not all applicants will qualify. Member Advantage Mortgage, LLC is an Equal Housing Lender. We do business in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.

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