Our Member: MRIS® (Metropolitan Regional
Information Systems)
Member Since: September 2009
About MRIS®: MRIS® is an
acronym for Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc. MRIS is the
largest MLS in the nation and is the leading online real estate
information service for about 50,000 real estate professionals in the
Mid-Atlantic region, including the vast majority of Maryland, Northern
Virginia and Washington, DC as well as parts of Pennsylvania and West
Virginia. Just last year, 2008, MRIS facilitated the sale of more than
102,253 properties, translating to more than $99 million in daily sales
volume.
In addition to offering technology solutions, broker and agent software
products and an industry-leading consumer portal, HomesDatabase.com, we
also provide back-end technology to other MLSs through our CURE
Solution. To learn more about MRIS® go to www.MRIS.com.
David Charron, President and CEO of MRIS® and Greg Hangemanole,
Assistant Controller, discussed the importance of the credit union and
how valuable of an asset it is for REALTORS® as well as their members.
The Credit Union: How long have you
been with MRIS®?
Charron: I’ve been here for 10 years, and MRIS® has been around
since 1995.
The Credit Union: Why did MRIS®
decide to join REALTORS® Federal Credit Union, A Division of Northwest Federal Credit Union?
Hangemanole: It was within the
industry and had a competitive return on investment. Not only that, but
REALTORS® Federal Credit Union, A Division of Northwest Federal Credit Union provides benefits to our members.
The Credit Union: How is your
relationship with REALTORS® Federal Credit Union, A Division of Northwest Federal Credit Union different from your
relationship with other financial institutions?
Hangemanole: So far we have two
money market accounts at the credit union. Up to now it’s all been
good; Member Care is responsive and always helpful.
The Credit Union: How can real estate professionals benefit from
REALTORS® Federal Credit Union, A Division of Northwest Federal Credit Union membership?
Charron: Real estate
professionals often need short term assistance, some bridge money. With
sometimes erratic income streams they need someone who is going to be
understanding and appreciative of their situation. It’s not that
REALTORS® Federal Credit Union, A Division of Northwest Federal Credit Union has a lack of standards; they just
realize that REALTORS® have different needs. It’s crazy to not at least
make the call to see what they can do for you.
The Credit Union: What are the
significant accomplishments of your business this past year, and what do
you have planned for 2010?
Charron: Last year we were able
to pay off our building and get a great tenant downstairs. We’ve been
working on making sure consumers and agents have access to the system
when they need it. We’ll hopefully be coming out with some mobile apps
soon. We’re focusing on business continuity, the new data center
facility, consumer portal, and the new MRIS.com.
The Credit Union: What are your
current business challenges?
Charron: Like most associations
membership is a challenge. Also expanding our footprint and keeping
services contemporized.
The Credit Union: Do you have any words of advice for real estate
professionals?
Charron: The worst is behind
us. Many have been successful during this time. They have had to change
effort, expectations, and the tools that they are using. The consumer
is smarter now with access to more information. The REALTOR® has to
become the advisor as opposed to the gatekeeper.
The Credit Union: What would you say
to someone who is reluctant to use a virtual credit union?
Charron: We quickly give our
information out to so many people, why not give it to someone you can
actually trust? REALTORS® Federal Credit Union, A Division of Northwest Federal Credit Union has checks and balances.
It’s as good as it’s cracked up to be. If you’ve done online banking
before, it’s a walk in the park – on a sunny day. It’s also nice that
it’s not so big that you’re lost in the crowd.
The Credit Union: In your opinion –
what can we do better?
Charron: To open up the field
of membership to include association owned and broker owned
organizations’ staff.
