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Ways Loan Officers Can Help Hispanic Millennial Homebuyers

Understanding the role of family and technology can go a long way toward becoming the trusted agent for that most major of purchases.

Hispanic millennial homebuyers are set to be a dominating force in the mortgage industry. However, many loan officers have failed to connect with this crucial demographic, and as a result have missed out on increasing their business volume.

Consider for a moment that according to the 2015 State of Hispanic Homeownership Report Hispanics made up 37% of total household formations in 2015. How much of that business did you see? There are a few key ways loan officers can help Hispanic millennial homebuyers realize the dream of homeownership.

It’s important before you take action, to understand the demographic you are hoping to assist. In many ways, Hispanic millennials are not too different than other millennials. Many still live with their parents, they seek out digital technologies to communicate, and find creditworthiness to be a hurdle in homeownership. Here are a few ways loan officers can help Hispanic millennial homebuyers.

Provide Education

One of the hurdles for Hispanic millennial homebuyers is lack of access to accurate educational material about homeownership. Consistently we have found that Hispanic millennials are uniquely keen on educational materials that relate to understanding the homebuying process. In particular, it is important to illustrate the value of the whole process, rather than a single event. Help Hispanic millennials homebuyers understand every step of the process by providing educational homeownership materials in Spanish and English.

According to Pew Research, three-quarters of Hispanic Millennials are proficient in English, but that doesn’t mean they prefer to digest important information in English. Providing bilingual materials and insight can work to create trust between you and Hispanic millennial homebuyers. These materials can be used to ensure the borrower clearly understands what is involved in the process of buying a home. It can also serve as a way to help other family members who may not speak English at all feel secure with the process. Comprehensive bilingual educational materials are the goal for any loan officer who hopes to effectively help Hispanic millennial homebuyers.

Understand Family

Family is paramount in the Hispanic culture. In particular it is key with Hispanic millennials because they often serve as the go-between for their parents in decision-making situations. They want to protect their family. As a loan officer, it is your job to help them understand the value of a lender. Don’t sell to them, relate to them. Create a path that highlights why it’s important to have their money in the credit union. Illustrate the importance of building a solid credit profile, and help them do it properly. Then explain how these actions can assist down the road in achieving the American Dream of homeownership.

Like many demographics, trust is deeply valued in business relations. However, with Hispanic millennials it is everything. Becoming a trust agent to Hispanic millennial homebuyers should be a top priority for loan officers. Make the concept of homeownership relevant to them; help connect the dots as to how buying a home as opposed to renting is going to help build their family’s wealth faster.

As reported in the Hispanic Wealth Project, 86% of Hispanics prefer owning to renting – but more importantly see it as a good place to raise a family. Knowing this, and the value placed on family in the Hispanic culture, a loan officer can work to help interested borrowers secure a home through a variety of programs targeted directly at assisting this key demographic. For example, low down payment options can provide the assistance needed to help Hispanic millennials overcome the homeownership hurdle.

Marketing Messaging

Regardless of your marketing approach, loan officers (and lenders) should focus on a few key items to gain the attention of Hispanic millennial homebuyers. Most important: bilingual mobile-friendly websites. That’s because 96% of Hispanics currently own a smartphone, and studies show that Hispanic millennials out-index other demographics and age groups in use of smartphones, video, and music streaming. Understand that Hispanic millennials are different, but don’t treat them differently.

Play to these stats in both English and Spanish. As a company or individual, consider sharing content on social and digital channels that highlights the value of homeownership in an authentic way. Remember Hispanic millennials are bicultural and have a unique background and perspective. Work to find ways to celebrate this in marketing materials and content pieces.

Wrap-up:

Hispanic millennials are unique, yet somewhat familiar they are tech-savvy, bilingual, and loyal, but are also concerned with creditworthiness, accurate information, seeking down payment assistance, and battling limited inventory. The best way for loan officers to help Hispanic millennial homebuyers is to focus on the process. Taking time to provide bilingual educational materials about the homeownership path will work to better engage and relate to this key demographic. Aim to be a trust agent that assists in improving the member’s life and you will see success.

Check out this helpful Buy Now vs. Wait Calculator now in Spanish.

This article is sponsored by a recognized solutions provider in the credit union industry. Callahan & Associates does not endorse vendors or the solutions they offer, and the views and opinions offered here might not reflect those of Callahan. If you are interested in contributing an article on CreditUnions.com, please contact the Callahan team at ads@creditunions.com or 1-800-446-7453.
November 13, 2017

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