Our Member: Chicago Association of
REALTORS®
Member Since: October 2009
About Chicago Association of REALTORS®:
As part of the Chicago community since 1883, The Chicago Association of
REALTORS® represents a diverse group of individuals who work together
with their neighbors, community groups, schools and elected officials to
make Chicago a place you want to live, work and play. The Chicago
Association of REALTORS® (CAR), the “Voice for Real Estate” in Chicago
since 1883, represents 14,000 members from all real estate specialties
including commercial sales, development, property management, appraisal,
auctions, and residential sales. To learn more about CAR visit www.chicagorealtor.com.
Robert Schmidt, the comptroller for CAR, talks with us about CAR’s
association membership with REALTORS® Federal Credit Union:
The Credit Union: How did you learn
about the REALTORS® Federal Credit Union, A Division of Northwest Federal Credit Union?
Schmidt: CAR’s leadership team,
primarily the CEO, was pretty instrumental in getting us invested.
The Credit Union: Why did you join the REALTORS® Federal Credit
Union?
Schmidt: Two reasons; one being
to support the credit union, and two because the rates were very
attractive. We have both savings and certificates at the credit union.
The Credit Union: What do you look
for in a financial services provider?
Schmidt: First I look for the
services that are being offered, the pricing of those services, and the
organization itself in terms of financial stability. Customer service
level is also a big factor. They have to be easy to interact with.
The Credit Union: And how have we done so far?
Schmidt: We’ve been very pleased
so far.
The Credit Union: How can real
estate professionals benefit from REALTORS® Federal Credit Union, A Division of Northwest Federal Credit Union
membership?
Schmidt: It’s a great resource
for REALTORS to get involved with, especially because it’s not
necessarily tied to anyone location.
The Credit Union: What are your
current business challenges?
Schmidt: Just maintaining our
membership base the best we can in these trying economic times and
providing members with the tools to basically survive in this type of
environment. Keeping in front of the members and benefits of belonging
to our association has been challenging.
The Credit Union: What would you say
to someone who is reluctant to use a virtual credit union?
Schmidt: Just give it a try!
Being technically astute, having a virtual credit union doesn’t really
bother me. It’s a viable option in today’s environment.
