DUBUQUE, Iowa – Dupaco Community CU doesn't think hectic schedules and far distances should prevent members from applying for mortgage loans with the CU. Several years ago the $350-million DCCU began offering extended mortgage lending service hours that make it possible for its mortgage officers to meet with members at night by appointment only after credit union business hours, to discuss mortgage opportunities with Dupaco and take loan application information from members. In addition, the credit union started running advertisements displaying its rates in the weekend papers and allowed members to call the credit union on weekends, connect with loan officers and lock in rates over the weekend. Now Dupaco CCU has taken its mortgage lending services two more steps forward. First it hired a mortgage consultant in its full-service real estate department – Kelly Newton – who, armed with a laptop computer with a wireless connection that can access credit reports and give online approval, is able to go out and meet with members in any one of Dupaco's seven branches or any where else that's convenient for members. Dupaco also launched its Home Loan House Calls mortgage outreach initiative that puts Newton at a convenient location for the member at a time that works best for them, whether it's at work, home, or somewhere else more suitable.. "If someone is too busy to come and see us for a mortgage application, we will be happy to schedule an appointment to come and see them at a time and location that fits best into their busy schedule," said DCCU VP, Real Estate Dennis Beadle. Dupaco's Michael Weber, VP, Marketing and Public Relations, added that the new program is a way for the CU to be able to say to its members in its three branches 30 miles away – Platteville, Wis.; Galena, Ill.; and Dyersville, Iowa – "you don't have to drive 30 miles to our main location to see us if you want a mortgage, I'll drive to you. We've extended the services in our branches to a better level than in the past, but if that still doesn't work for you then we'll send our mortgage officer right to you." In the fall, Dupaco plans to take its mortgage lending products a step further by introducing online mortgage applications that Weber describes as being "a combination of high tech, high touch." Dupaco CCU has 39,000 members. In 2004 it did more than 700 originations and dispersed nearly $72 million in real estate loans. It currently has nearly $40 million in held mortgage balances and more than $42 million in sold mortgages with servicing retained. That comprises about 16.25% of DCCU's entire loan portfolio. Since the beginning of 2005, the CU has sold approximately 95 loans on the secondary market with balances of almost $11 million. -

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