Honestly, I laughed at the “free calendar and maybe a toaster” bit—credit unions really do have that vibe until you actually need them. I refinanced through one last year after my bank basically ghosted me for having a couple of old credit hiccups. The credit union folks actually listened, and the process felt way less robotic. Still had to jump through some hoops, but at least they didn’t treat me like I was applying for a secret government job. And yeah, cookies help... but I’d take a lower rate over oatmeal raisin any day.
I get the appeal of credit unions—they definitely feel more human than the big banks. But I’ve seen folks run into issues with them too, especially when it comes to investment properties or anything that’s not super straightforward. Did you notice if their rates or fees were actually better, or was it just the vibe? Sometimes the “friendlier” process masks stricter underwriting behind the scenes. Not saying banks are saints, but sometimes their systems catch stuff a smaller place might miss... which can be good or bad, depending on your situation.
Yeah, I’ve noticed the same thing. Credit unions do feel more personal, but when I was shopping for a mortgage on a duplex, their rates weren’t actually much better than the big banks. Sometimes the fees were even higher once you dug into the details. The “friendly” vibe is nice, but I ran into stricter requirements on rental properties—like higher down payments and more paperwork about my income.
Honestly, the big banks had more flexibility with my less-than-perfect credit. Their systems seemed to allow for more exceptions if you could explain a blip or two. Credit unions wanted everything by the book, no gray areas. I guess it depends on what you value—if you want hand-holding, maybe a credit union is good, but if you need wiggle room, banks might surprise you. Just my two cents from going through it last year...
Honestly, I’ve seen the same thing with clients—credit unions can be super by-the-book, especially for investment properties. If your credit isn’t spotless, big banks sometimes have more leeway, especially if you can show stable income or explain any dings on your report. One tip: pull your own credit first and get your paperwork organized (tax returns, pay stubs, rental agreements if you have them). That way, you’re ready for whoever asks, and you can shop around without surprises. Sometimes a mortgage broker can help find lenders who are more flexible, too. It’s a bit of a maze, but not impossible.
Yeah, I hear you on the paperwork. Honestly, I found credit unions way too strict for my taste—felt like I was applying for a top-secret job, not a loan. Big banks weren’t a walk in the park either, but at least they listened when I explained my old credit blips. Having everything ready upfront saved my sanity, though... nothing worse than scrambling for tax docs at the last minute. Mortgage brokers can be hit or miss, but if you find a good one, they’ll dig up options you’d never find on your own. It’s a headache, but not impossible if you’re stubborn enough.
