VyStar Credit Union Named Best Credit Union and Top Mortgage Lender in Northeast Florida
VyStar Credit Union is proud to be recognized by the Jacksonville Business Journal as the 2023 best credit union and top mortgage lender for volume of mortgages by area offices in Northeast Florida. This recognition comes as VyStar is now known within the market as a full spectrum lender with innovative and enhanced mortgage lending products to service the entire community's needs. The credit union offers competitive rates and low fees to help members save money and meet the evolving needs of the community.
“Knowing the challenges that homebuyers are currently facing across our community and our country, it is critical that we step up when they need us most and serve as a champion in finding solutions for our members with a continued focus on inclusivity and serving underrepresented consumers,” said Jennifer Lopez Kouchis, VyStar Chief Credit Officer & Head of Mortgage Banking. “Our team of dedicated mortgage lending professionals is constantly working to improve the lives of our members and strengthen the places we call home. We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to every member who has chosen us to partner with them for all their mortgage financing needs.”
VyStar topped the 2023 list by originating the most mortgages with 4,626 and the highest volume totaling $689 million. The average loan price of about $250,000 is well below the median home price in Jacksonville, further highlighting the credit union’s efforts to meet the specific needs of every individual. VyStar announced in 2022 that it was approved as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. This certification continues to strengthen VyStar’s ability to support the dream of homeownership for members with low-to-moderate incomes. It also supports the credit union’s efforts to provide competitively priced consumer and small business loan products to those who are otherwise underserved.
The credit union’s other programs to support homebuyers include:
The Military Heroes Mortgage Program that supports military members in active duty, veterans and surviving spouses. VyStar conducted research and collaborated with veterans to understand the unique needs of this audience.
The Everyday Heroes Mortgage Program that offers affordable terms to over 100 professions who make a positive impact on their community through their civil service positions.
A partnership with Habitat for Humanity Jacksonville (HabiJax) to provide low-cost mortgage loans. The partnership enables families in the Jacksonville community to afford a home with 0% financing, ensuring repayment is affordable and increasing the odds that future generations will also benefit.
The Homeownership Assistance Fund (HAF) grant program which supports members with mortgage payments, homeowners' insurance, utility payments and more. This funding to date has allowed VyStar to support eighty-two members by remitting 627 mortgage payments totaling $835,169 through the HAF grant program.
“I am so proud of our team and the good they continue to do for our members and the community,” added Lopez Kouchis. “It is important to remember that we can’t build generational wealth through homeownership without sustainability, and we are committed to supporting our membership through any challenges they may face.”
In addition to being the top credit union and mortgage lender by the JBJ, VyStar also ranked second on the corporate philanthropist list, sixth as a best place to work and the thirteenth largest employer in Northeast Florida.