In an interactive “speed dating” style event, potential home buyers recently gathered at SESLOC Federal Credit Union to learn from five experts they’re likely to meet during the home buying process.
Thirty five participants gathered in small groups for 12-minute “Ted Talk” style presentations from a realtor, a home inspector, a mortgage lender, a private mortgage insurance representative, and escrow and title company representatives. When the Jeopardy theme song played, time was up, and the experts moved to a new table to meet with the next group of 8-10 people.
“The small group dynamic created an atmosphere of open conversation and lots of great questions for our presenters,” said Barbara Hugie, Vice President of Mortgage Operations and moderator for the event.
While SESLOC Federal Credit Union provides many free financial seminars throughout the year, its inaugural “Home Sweet Home” workshop, held on June 26, was unique in the way it encouraged interaction and personalized information. “There was none of the usual ‘please hold your questions until the end,’” said Carla Swift, Education and Service Management Assistant Vice President. “This was all about questions and expert answers.”
After the individual presentations concluded, attendees were encouraged to sit down with any of the experts or mortgage loan officers to ask more questions. Each attendee took home a notebook filled with presenters’ materials, along with a step-by-step guide to preparing finances, gathering a team of experts, assessing needs and wants, and finding their next home. In addition, one person from each table took home a “Home Sweet Home” door mat and one participant won a $100 Home Depot gift card.
“This was great,” remarked one attendee. “I really liked being able to ask all of my questions. I liked hearing from different presenters.” Another participant said, “You created an amazing event, and I personally I loved every moment.”
SESLOC Federal Credit Union is committed to providing financial education in the community, with a goal of supporting financial capability and health in the people it serves. SESLOC offers around 25 financial education events each year, which are free and open to the public. It also provides Financial Success seminars to community groups upon request. To sign up for an educational event near you, visit https://www.sesloc.org/seminars.
About SESLOC Federal Credit Union
SESLOC Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution on California’s central coast since 1942, now operating with five branches in San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Atascadero, Arroyo Grande and Santa Maria. With assets of $838 million, their 170 employees provide valuable financial and educational services to nearly 53,000 members. SESLOC membership is open to anyone who lives, works or goes to school in San Luis Obispo or Northern Santa Barbara County. For more information, please visit www.sesloc.org.