In a recent conversation, Keri Marentette, Northeast Production Manager at Mortgage Center, sat down with Tim Merwin, Chief Lending Officer at Advia Credit Union, to discuss the evolution of our more than 20‑year partnership with Mortgage Center, the collaborative strategies that drive our success, and the mortgage innovations shaping the future. Their dialogue highlights shared goals around affordability, streamlined digital experiences, and product innovation.
Marentette: How would you describe the collaboration between Advia and Mortgage Center?
Merwin: Our partnership is built on aligned goals, shared ownership, and a commitment to member advantage. Mortgage Center brings deep mortgage expertise and servicing capabilities, while Advia contributes strong member relationships and local market understanding.
Marentette: What gaps in today’s housing market is the partnership helping to fill?
Merwin: Affordability is the biggest challenge. We’ve focused on developing affordable home options and innovative programs that address rising housing costs.
Marentette: Looking ahead five years, where do you see the greatest opportunities for growth?
Merwin: Improving affordability, expanding construction lending, and elevating the digital mortgage experience.
Marentette: How does technology strengthen the member mortgage experience?
Merwin: Integrating Mortgage Center information into Advia’s online banking allows members to view mortgage details, make payments, and manage their loan within a single platform.
Marentette: What feedback do you hear most frequently from members about Mortgage Center?
Merwin: Members appreciate competitive rates, low costs, digital convenience, and responsive guidance from the mortgage center team.
Marentette: Do you have a favorite Mortgage Center program?
Merwin: Current favorites are the PMI Saver and the one‑time close construction loan.
Marentette: What makes PMI Saver valuable for members?
Merwin: It helps eliminate mortgage insurance costs when it’s the right fit for the member.
Marentette: How has member insight shaped the products Advia offers?
Merwin: Ongoing evaluation ensures products align with member needs, especially around affordability.
Marentette: Adjustable‑rate mortgages sometimes carry stigma. How do you address that?
Merwin: Modern ARMs, like those being offered with Mortgage Center, are consumer‑friendly, predictable, and transparent.
Marentette: How does collaborating with Mortgage Center enable more flexible mortgage solutions?
Merwin: The partnership gives Advia room to innovate while staying compliant.
Marentette: Any final thoughts on the partnership?
Merwin: The collaboration has grown significantly over the past decade, and the future looks exciting.
Visit http://www.adviacu.org/mortgage to learn more about Advia Credit Union and Mortgage Center’s partnership and home buying solutions.
About Advia Credit Union: Our mission is to provide financial advantages to its members. With $3.87 billion in assets, Advia seeks to provide quick and easy access to money and time-saving financial tools to nearly 200,000 members in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois. Advia’s team of over 600 professionals delivers excellent service and innovative products at 34 locations and via digital and mobile platforms. Advia is guided by its core values: driving progress, acting with integrity, building and strengthening relationships, and keeping people at the core. Visit adviacu.org to learn more about how Advia provides Real Advantages for Real People™.