SmartOne Financial Wellness Blog

2024 Scholarship Recipients Announced
Authored By: UnitedOne Credit Union on 5/10/2024

Dylan Johnston and Saryah Jacoby are the recipients of UnitedOne Credit Union’s two $1,000 scholarships for the 2024-25 academic year.

Johnston, a Manitowoc native, earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from UW-Green Bay and is currently in the Master of Arts in Counseling program at Lakeland University.

“As I’ve talked to students during my internship hours, especially for high school students going for higher levels of education, I’ve always mentioned that you need to apply for every scholarship you can,” said Johnston, a 2017 Lincoln High School graduate.

“You never know if you’ll receive one if you don’t apply and with the United One Credit Union Scholarship, I put my name in and was fortunate to receive it. I feel very grateful because I’m able to use this scholarship for my higher education towards my Master’s degree and reach my career goal to become a school counselor.” 

Jacoby, a Sheboygan native, is a senior at Sheboygan South High School. She will be attending UW-Whitewater in the fall to pursue a degree in education.

“I am so incredibly thankful for this very generous scholarship,” Jacoby said. “I appreciate (UnitedOne’s) help in getting me one step closer to my dream of being a teacher. I feel very blessed that out of all of the applicants, (UnitedOne) chose me to award this scholarship to. I have been working really hard to save up for college and this will help me feel better about my financial situation for the future.”

Each year, UnitedOne offers one scholarship to a Manitowoc County resident and one to a Sheboygan County resident. Johnston and Jacoby were chosen by an independent panel, which judged applicants based on a written essay.

UnitedOne Credit Union has branches in Manitowoc and Sheboygan, and is open to everyone living or working in Manitowoc, Sheboygan, Kewaunee and Door counties. The credit union serves consumers and small to mid-sized businesses. For more information, visit www.UnitedOne.org. 

Sheboygan and Manitowoc Housing Market Insights & Home Loan Solutions
Authored By: UnitedOne Credit Union on 5/8/2024

As we journey through 2024, the Wisconsin housing market unveils promising prospects, especially in locales like Sheboygan and Manitowoc. These communities offer unique perspectives into homeownership, drawing attention with their dynamic trends. At UnitedOne Credit Union, we're committed to empowering our members with insights and tailored home loan solutions. Join us as we explore the housing market forecasts for Sheboygan and Manitowoc, and discover how our mortgage loans can turn your homeownership dreams into reality.

Year-Over-Year Trends

Over recent years, both Sheboygan and Manitowoc have experienced steady growth in their housing markets. Economic stability and a rising interest in suburban living have fueled this trend. In Sheboygan, median home prices have appreciated healthily, reflecting strong demand. Similarly, Manitowoc has witnessed notable increases in property values, attracting buyers from both local and neighboring regions.

Forecast for 2024

Looking ahead, experts anticipate continued growth in the housing markets of Sheboygan and Manitowoc throughout 2024. With the anticipation of rate cuts and ongoing economic recovery, prospective buyers can expect a competitive yet promising landscape. Demand for single-family homes, fueled by first-time buyers and families seeking suburban living, is projected to remain robust. Additionally, the allure of amenities, from scenic waterfronts to lively downtowns, is expected to further boost housing demand.

Why Choose UnitedOne Credit Union for Home Loans

Amidst the excitement of navigating the housing market, securing the right financing is crucial. At UnitedOne Credit Union, our comprehensive range of home loan solutions is designed to meet your unique needs. Whether you're purchasing your first home, upgrading to a larger space, or refinancing an existing mortgage, our dedicated team is here to guide you. As a member-owned financial institution, we prioritize your financial well-being. With competitive rates and personalized service, we're committed to helping you achieve your homeownership goals.

Take Action Today

Ready to embark on your homeownership journey in Sheboygan or Manitowoc? Discover the difference between banking with a trusted community partner. Explore our website or visit one of our branches to learn more about our mortgage loans and become a member today.

As Wisconsin's housing market evolves, UnitedOne Credit Union remains steadfast in our commitment to serving our members and communities. Together, let's unlock opportunities and turn your homeownership dreams into reality with our tailored home loan solutions.

 

Podcast: Understanding the 5 C’s of Credit and Your Credit Score
Authored By: UnitedOne Credit Union on 3/27/2024

Credit can be a scary topic for some. However, it doesn’t have to be.

The Local Home Loan Experts at UnitedOne Credit Union clear up any confusion about credit and its role in applying for a loan on the latest edition of their podcast, At Home on the Lakeshore.



By definition, credit is the ability of a person to obtain goods or services before payment, based on the trust that payment will be made in the future.

But when it comes time to take out a loan, your credit is best defined by five other words that start with a ‘C’ – character, capacity, capital, conditions, and collateral.

“I don’t know if people understand what the 5 C’s of credit are, which is kind of an overall picture of a loan versus just the credit report,” said UnitedOne Mortgage Specialist Julie Peot, NMLS #441412.

• Character: Credit history and repayment reliability.
   
• Capacity: Ability to repay debts based on income and financial obligations.
   
• Capital: Financial reserves and assets for debt repayment.
   
• Conditions: Economic and industry factors affecting repayment ability.
   
• Collateral: Assets pledged to secure the loan.

While the 5 C’s of credit provide indicators of creditworthiness during the loan process, credit scores offer a numerical representation of a borrower’s credit risk. Credit scores typically range from 300 to 850 and are generated by credit bureaus based on the information in your credit report.

“We generally like to see your credit score in that good range, so 670 to 739, but that doesn’t mean that we cannot lend to someone who has a (lower) credit score,” said UnitedOne Mortgage Specialist Linda Serrano, NMLS # 441416.

“Exceptional is between 800 and 850. We see some of those, but they’ve probably had their credit for a longer period of time and they’ve established themselves. So, if you’re just establishing your first credit history, like first car or first credit card, you might have a lower score. We’re here, and we’re going to help you out to raise your scores.”

Paying the full monthly balance on a credit card instead of just making the minimum payment and only utilizing some of your credit limit will help improve your credit score. Ultimately, those habits will reap benefits down the road when taking out a loan.

“Your (credit) score usually gets you a better rate in loans,” said UnitedOne Mortgage Specialist Kari Johnsrud, NMLS # 441414. “Not only home loans, but car loans and your car insurance. There’s so many things that working on your credit to build a good credit score can help you with.”

The three nationwide credit bureaus UnitedOne Credit Union uses to pull credit scores from are TransUnion®, Equifax®, and Experian®.

“UnitedOne reports to all three, so you’re gaining credit in all three of those companies,” Peot said. “There are financials out there that don’t report to all three. They may only choose one or two to report, so sometimes you'll see those credit scores vary. … When we pull all three, we use the middle score, so we kind of average out those three scores and use the middle one for qualifying.”

Your credit score doesn’t have to remain a mystery until you’re ready to apply for a loan. You can access a free report at www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228.

“It lists all of the information in a way that is that you’re going to be able to understand it,” Serrano said. “You don’t have to work in banking or anything like that to be able to understand what the credit report is showing you, but if still feel like, ‘I want that extra person to help me out,’ we definitely are here. You can call us, and we can set up an appointment.”

Whether you’re in the market now to buy a home or want to learn more about improving your credit score so you’ll be ready to house shop in the future, UnitedOne’s team of Local Home Loan Experts are your trusted source in Manitowoc and Sheboygan for all your home loan needs.

---

Local Home Loans Local Experts
10 Year Fixed - Home Equity Loan 
Apply Now    Book Appointment   Mortgage Center Log In   Email Mortgage Team  

---

Listen to more episodes of At Home on the Lakeshore

UnitedOne achieves esteemed recognition in MemberXP Best of the Best Awards
Authored By: UnitedOne Credit Union on 3/22/2024

UnitedOne Credit Union has been designated as a MemberXP Best of the Best Credit Union for Best Member Advocacy and Most Appreciative Staff.

"Improving members’ financial well-being is why we are here,” UnitedOne CEO Kim Rooney said. “Our employees come to work every day ready to help our members succeed financially. Awards like these are the result of their hard work and commitment."

The MemberXP designation is an annual acknowledgment bestowed upon credit unions that consistently excel in delivering exceptional member service during a calendar year. 

MemberXP uses mystery shoppers and member surveys to gauge the overall member experience across multiple delivery channels. In 2023, over 300,000 surveys were deployed nationwide among nearly 8 million credit union members, spanning all 50 U.S. states.

UnitedOne Credit Union has branches in Manitowoc and Sheboygan, and is open to everyone living or working in Manitowoc, Sheboygan, Kewaunee and Door counties. The credit union serves consumers and small to mid-sized businesses. 

MemberXP, a product of CU Solutions Group, is the pioneer and market leader in Credit Union Experience Management. The MemberXP technology platform enables credit unions to collect, manage and act on member experience data collected via digital surveys and mystery shoppers.

5 Compelling Reasons to Buy a Home in Manitowoc, WI Right Now
Authored By: UnitedOne Credit Union on 3/14/2024

Are you dreaming of owning a home in the heart of the Midwest? Look no further than Manitowoc, Wisconsin! Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, Manitowoc offers a unique blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and a thriving community spirit. And guess what? There's never been a better time to make Manitowoc your home sweet home. Here are five fantastic reasons why buying a house in Manitowoc, WI should be at the top of your list, brought to you by UnitedOne Credit Union.

• Affordable Real Estate Prices: One of the most appealing aspects of Manitowoc is its affordability. Compared to larger metropolitan areas, housing prices in Manitowoc are remarkably reasonable. Whether you're in the market for a cozy bungalow or a spacious family home, you'll find a wide range of options that won't break the bank. With the forecast of lower interest rates in the second half of 2024 and a recovering market, now is the perfect time to snag your dream home at a price you can afford.

• Strong Community Spirit: In Manitowoc, neighbors aren't just neighbors—they're family. The tight-knit community here is known for its warmth, friendliness, and willingness to lend a helping hand. From annual festivals and farmers' markets to community events and local gatherings, Manitowoc fosters a sense of belonging that's hard to find elsewhere. When you buy a house in Manitowoc, you're not just investing in property; you're investing in a community that welcomes you with open arms.

• Breathtaking Natural Beauty: Prepare to be awe-struck by Manitowoc's stunning natural scenery. With Lake Michigan to the east and picturesque countryside to the west, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to explore and enjoy. Spend your weekends hiking along the shores of the lake, fishing in pristine waters, or simply taking in the breathtaking sunsets. No matter the season, Manitowoc's natural beauty never fails to impress.

• Excellent Schools and Amenities: For families with children, Manitowoc offers top-notch educational opportunities. From highly-rated public schools to renowned private institutions, parents can rest easy knowing their children are receiving a quality education. Beyond academics, Manitowoc boasts a plethora of amenities, including parks, recreational facilities, shopping centers, and restaurants. Everything you need is right at your fingertips, making Manitowoc an ideal place to raise a family.

• Investment Potential: With the real estate market in Manitowoc on the rise, purchasing a home here is not just a place to live—it's a smart investment. As the economy continues to recover and the demand for housing grows, property values in Manitowoc are expected to appreciate steadily over time. By buying now, you're not only securing a place to call your own but also setting yourself up for long-term financial stability.

The time to buy a house in Manitowoc is now. With affordable real estate prices, a strong sense of community, breathtaking natural beauty, excellent amenities, and promising investment potential, Manitowoc has it all. So why wait? Take the plunge and make Manitowoc your home today! And remember, UnitedOne Credit Union is here to help you every step of the way on your journey to homeownership. Contact our mortgage team to get started!