Knowledge

  Visit CUBroadcast for the whole episode.   The AVANA CUSO and Sunlight Financial Credit Union Experience   The Partnership: A Journey of Mutual Growth and Understanding   The collaboration between AVANA CUSO and Sunlight Financial Credit Union...

  The era of low rates has ended. As a result, the economics of the commercial real-estate industry are changing. Aggressive rate increases from the Federal Reserve have decreased commercial real estate (CRE) lending to its lowest point in nearly a decade. As...

This fall, change is in the air in more ways than one. We are thrilled to announce Extensia Financial is now AVANA CUSO.  As excited as we are about our future as AVANA CUSO, we want to also assure our partnering credit unions and brokers that we will continue...

AVANA CUSO is honored to be the nation’s leading credit union service organization (CUSO). But that title does not come by happenstance.  Being our industry’s best means having the unwavering determination to deliver superior commercial lending solutions,...

Finally reaching Q4 has many perks. One of those perks is being able to close out the year with tools to help us successfully navigate 2024 and beyond.  That toolbox is being provided by the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions (NAFCU).  Credit...

Credit union conferences offer a litany of benefits to even the most seasoned CU professionals. At AVANA CUSO, we’re personally drawn to how they inspire our industry to do better and be better. In addition, they arm us with toolboxes to do so.  The fall/winter 2023...

Concerned about real estate investing? You’re not alone. There’s heavy criticism circling commercial real estate these days – headline after headline advising not to invest. But it’s blanket narratives like those that are short-sighted and damaging. The reality is...

As a leading Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO), we have a unique relationship-first approach to participation lending. That approach has helped us forge thousands of partnerships throughout the years. Harnessing our decades of experience in the industry, we...

Renewable energy was the fastest-growing energy source in the United States between 2010 and 2020, growing 42% in usage over the decade. As renewable energy businesses continue to emerge and capitalize on this market opportunity, securing external funding will be...

In the world of commercial lending, there are various products available. When it comes to small businesses, few loans offer as much potential as SBA 504 1st Mortgage Loans. For credit unions that facilitate 504s, the benefits are also many, including an expanded...

The conversations around commercial real estate investing tend to center around the potential advantages and gains afforded to CRE investors.  Such benefits are numerous; however, it’s equally important to reflect on the impact commercial lending has on others. The...

Credit unions have long been a vital part of the financial landscape, known for their member-focused service and products.  While credit unions have always placed a strong emphasis on community and member needs, in today’s fast-paced and technology-driven world, they...

At AVANA CUSO, we take a uniquely effective approach to client retention. Since 1998, AVANA CUSO has been partnering with credit unions and brokers across the country to originate and service commercial real estate (CRE) loans. But we don’t stop there. We not only...

Women’s History Month is a time when everyone can honor the legacy and impact of women. In celebration of this important time, our lens is on the vital role women play as entrepreneurs and small business owners.  In fact, women started 49% of new businesses in the...

Entrepreneurs are a key segment of our economy. They infuse job creation, economic development and innovation into their communities.  To help facilitate all that growth and development, credit unions play an important role in ensuring entrepreneurs have the right...

AVANA CUSO is proud to be the best credit union service organization (CUSO) for commercial real estate lending. We operate as a true partner by personally guiding CUs through the loan approval process. Likewise, if a good loan were to go bad, we’re an advocate for our...

About 60 million people live in rural communities throughout the country. Rural dwellers’ inconvenient distance from financial hubs and their unique financial needs mean they often look for specialized support.  As such, there are a number of savvy credit unions that...

Every new year brings new innovations in the financial services space. So, now’s the time – before competitors beat you to the punch – to reassess if members’ digital needs and preferences are met for 2023.  In today’s ever-evolving environment, if credit unions...

Credit union conferences are a great place for CU professionals to gain inspiration, stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends, and learn about new services and tech impacting credit unions.  Luckily, there are some highly recommended credit union conferences...

As you now well know, credit unions have the upper hand over larger financial institutions in the most impactful of ways. Given their lower fees, better savings rates, superior customer service and greater personalization with financial products, the benefits are...

In honor of Veteran’s Day, we’re highlighting the top credit unions for veterans. These military-focused financial institutions provide personalized financial services and products that benefit vets in a way national banks simply do not.  Since credit unions for...

Any seasoned commercial real estate investor understands the power of diversifying their portfolios with real estate stocks. This is especially true as we head into a potentially volatile and unknown economic environment and real estate market. As a result, many...

Here’s a Look at the Top Credit Union Publications & Sources for CU News & Industry Updates Credit union leaders and employees do their best to serve their communities and leverage their expertise to provide fair and equitable financial services to their...

October 17-21 is Risk Awareness Week, so there’s no better time for credit unions to reflect on their risk assessment practices for commercial real estate (CRE) lending. This includes what their risk appetite is given the current financial climate. Brianna Vaughan,...

October is Financial Planning Month, making it the perfect time for commercial real estate investors to assess their portfolios and identify areas for growth. No matter the portfolio, there are likely areas to diversity, and right now commercial real estate is the hot...