Knowledge

Are Credit Unions Better than Banks? AVANA CUSO Answers AVANA CUSO has more than two decades of experience providing participation loans to credit unions and their borrowers. With such extensive experience working with credit unions, AVANA CUSO understands the major...

Consider Several Factors When Choosing the Best Credit Union to Suit Your Needs With more than 6,200 credit union businesses in the United States, it can be difficult to choose the one that’s right for you and your financial needs. Luckily, AVANA CUSO has more than 20...

When dealing with Private Credit Lenders and Credit Union Servicing Organizations (CUSO), you may have come across the term “Participation Financing”. If this term is new for you, and wondering what it means and how it affects you, do not worry. You are not the only...

The Benefits of a Credit Union vs Bank Make the Choice an Easy One Between 2013 and 2024, credit union membership increased by nearly 44% from 98.4 million to 142 million. This statistic makes it clear that more and more Americans across the nation are signing up to...

AVANA CUSO Offers Professional Guidance on Applying for Commercial Real Estate Loans Securing a commercial real estate (CRE) loan can be a transformative step for business owners and investors looking to grow their portfolios or expand their operations. However, the...

  From Business Loan Rates to Loan Terms, AVANA CUSO Provides Professional Guidance on Applying for Commercial Loans Whether you’re planning to start a business or make changes to an existing one, you may need additional funds. That’s when a business loan...

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 do not.  Since credit unions for veterans are...

On 18th September 2024, the Federal Reserve (Fed) cut the benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points (bps).  This is the first rate cut since 2020, a period in which the Fed hiked interest rate by 525 bps over 11 announcements. This rate cut is announced in response...

  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...