TSA Lead Officer Makes Safe Passage to Homeownership Through Union Plus Mortgage Company
His union benefits came in handy when this union member lost his apartment.
“I love airport customer interactions,” says Chris Mercado, a Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) lead officer, assistant training officer and American Federation Government Employees (AFGE) TSA Local 618 member. “No matter what travelers think of us, I like turning the tables on their perception of us and delighting them.”
As a union steward, Mercado has mediated disputes, served as an advocate and played a role in the transition of leadership when his local’s president passed away. An active recruiter of new union members, he makes union benefits the focal point of his pitch.
“AFGE organizers made joining easy. They told me about the union benefits up front,” said Mercado. “I never forgot that, and so when I recruit, I make sure to point out the AFGE benefits.”
Mercado’s thorough knowledge of the union benefits came in handy when a need arose nearly overnight. Mercado’s wife Katelin, a manager of a storage facility where the couple received free housing, was informed by the owner that he was selling. She lost her job, and they lost their apartment.
“I immediately looked up my AFGE benefits to see what they could do should we decide on buying a home,” said Mercado. “The Union Plus Mortgage Company (UPMC) got me pre-approved right on the phone, and then they helped me every step of the way. Just 31 days later, I took the keys to our new house.”
Throughout the process of home buying, Mercado says the Union Plus Mortgage Company team constantly reassured him and checked up on him to see that he was getting the best deal.
“They got us in a house so fast, they answered every question, it was amazing,” said Mercado. “I asked so many questions as we started shopping, and every time, Union Plus was there.”
Mercado uses his AFGE benefits to save money and access grants and awards for most areas of his life and he encourages other union members to do the same.
“I’m a member of the Motor Club, I have pet insurance through them, and I use the Union Plus Mobile App all the time,” said Mercado. “For every big-ticket item, I turn to my AFGE benefits first.”
As for his house, Mercado is grateful and excited. He and his wife have never had so much space, and it’s become a retreat from the rigors of his work.
“We found this beautiful home and it is really the best for us,” said Mercado.
The Union Plus Mortgage program, with financing available through Union Plus Mortgage Company, is available for all eligible union members. UPMC is union-owned and staffed by knowledgeable loan officers.
For qualifying members, special benefits for first-time homebuyers as well as:
• A $500 gift card after closing for purchasing or refinancing a home
• Special hardship mortgage assistance from Union Plus in the event of income loss due to disability, unemployment or strike/lockout.
For more information, visit unionplusmortgage.com
The AFL-CIO, Union Privilege and a group of unions own Union Plus Mortgage Company and will benefit if you get your loan through the company. However, you are not required to use Union Plus Mortgage for your loan and are free to shop. For your Affiliated Business Arrangement Disclosure Statement, please visit www.unionplusmortgage.com.
Union Plus Mortgage Company has a services agreement with Union Privilege in which Union Privilege receives a financial benefit for providing agreed upon services.
Only union members of participating unions affiliated with the AFL-CIO, their parents and children who receive a mortgage from the Union Plus Mortgage Company are eligible for the mortgage assistance program. Only members of participating unions who receive a mortgage from the Union Plus Mortgage Company are eligible for the First-Time Homebuyer Award.
NMLS Number 1561829
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