For Immediate Release
Thursday, September 04, 2003
AFSCME Union Plus Mortgage Program Helps Member Buy First Home
Council 40, Local 2537 Member Wins a $500 Union Grocery Store Certificate
WASHINGTON —Sheila Lockhart, a member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Council 40, Local 2537, knows first-hand that the Union Plus Mortgage program has its benefits. Not only did she enjoy a convenient and affordable loan when buying her first home, but she also won a $500 gift certificate to use at a United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW)-staffed grocery store.
Lockhart, a 10-year member of AFSCME, said that she and her teenage daughter are excited about their new home, located in Beloit, WI, and their gift certificate. Brought to union members by Union Privilege, which was founded by the AFL-CIO in 1986, this program saves union members money through special programs for first-time buyers, including low-down payment loans and lower fees.
"I love my new home, " said Lockhart, a Section 8 housing specialist. "Home ownership has its benefits — I now have a bigger kitchen, more space, a good-size yard, and nice neighbors. I'm thankful for my home and the Union Plus Mortgage program. Winning the gift certificate is 'icing on the cake."'
Lockhart is one of four union members who this month won a $500 gift certificate to be used at a UFCW-staffed grocery store. First-time homebuyers who close a loan through this program are encouraged to submit a "Welcome to Your First Home" Award application. Awards are granted monthly.
Financing for the program is provided through Chase Home Finance, the mortgage division of JPMorgan Chase Bank, which provides exemplary service to union members and their families, including:
- Easy application process for mortgages over the phone or in-person
- Strike and unemployment/disability benefits to help you make mortgage payments when you're out of work
- Lower closing costs and fees — union members save an average of $653!
- Mortgage programs for borrowers with "less than perfect" credit
- Low down payments for qualified buyers
- Low-cost loans with competitive fixed and variable interest rates
- Advice from expert consultants
Other key benefits of the Union Plus Mortgage program include $350 toward closing costs for buyers who use both the real estate and mortgage portions of the program and a comprehensive home warranty plan with the listing of a home at no additional cost to the seller.
"The Union Plus Mortgage program is one of the best programs around," says Linda Chavez-Thompson, executive vice president of the AFL-CIO. "This program helps members with all of their mortgage and refinancing needs. I know. I've used the program, and it's great. Before going anywhere else, members need to check out this program if they are thinking about buying or selling a home," says Chavez-Thompson.
For more information, union members should call 1-800-848-6466 or visit www.afscme.org.
