What is meant by an affordable mortgage?

Simply stated, an affordable mortgage offers the borrower(s) a house payment plan they can afford at the time of closing and into the future based on current income and other outstanding debt. Whereas income and future debt can change a borrower’s circumstances and may be out of the control of the mortgage lender, a responsible lender will ensure any future changes in the mortgage payment are manageable under the borrower’s financial picture at the time of closing.

Who needs an affordable mortgage?

All homebuyers deserve an affordable mortgage. But many homebuyers were sucked into unscrupulous mortgage loans during the mortgage bubble, that when popped, turned into unaffordable loans and the risk of foreclosure. In particular, lower income households and 1st time homebuyers were targeted by questionable broker tactics.

Why should credit unions care?

Members and potential members are looking for dependable mortgage loans from financial institutions they can trust. Credit unions, for the most part, avoided questionable subprime lending practices and are in a position to be a trusted lender. But even if credit unions weren’t responsible for making bad subprime loans, many of their members have them and are struggling to keep their homes or are facing foreclosures.

What can credit unions do?

Credit unions can encourage members with subprime loans facing high interest rate adjustments to refinance, if possible, with a credit union loan. If that is not possible, the credit union can help members by restructuring other debt the member has with the credit union. A credit union can also position itself as a trusted advisor and lender to 1st time homebuyers who want to take advantage of the current rate and market environment to purchase a home.