LAS VEGAS — A panel of credit union experts in home lending presented an overview of the hidden mortgage option that CUs offer to realtors during the National Association of Realtors Conference and Expo here recently. With uncertainty in the real estate markets and the credit crunch running through banks and other home lenders, ACUMA has been trying to open up opportunities for CUs through realtor relationships, said Bob Dorsa, ACUMA president.

The panel was hosted by Dorsa, who introduced Joe Brancucci, VP/chief lending officer, Boeing Employees' Credit Union (BECU), Shannon VanSickler, director of Mortgage Lending for Bellco Credit Union, William (Bill) Tessier, associate VP, real estate/builder liaison for Navy Federal Credit Union and Chris Pauling, president of Prudential Northwest Realty. Each panelist gave a brief description of their CU's history and breadth of home lending products and services. Each CU provided a short video highlighting its service to the community and dedication to helping members become homeowners.

The breakout session was one of 21 others on the NAR agenda that day, also competing with big-name speakers in the main auditorium, so the audience was sparse, admitted Dorsa. "This is really just a jumping off place for us," he said. "We've been exhibiting at the NAR for several years and this year we were asked to do this panel, so interest in credit unions is obviously up, but we still have a ways to go." Dorsa added that the NAR board's approval to start its own credit union to serve members, to be called Realtors FCU would only raise the level of awareness. "Activity at our booth was brisk this year, and we'll be following up on those contacts as well."