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Lafayette Federal Credit Union

Committed to Excellence with a Personal Touch

Article by Laura Spencer

Photography by T. Kowalsky Photography

Originally published in Frederick Lifestyle

Lafayette Federal Credit Union (LFCU) is a full-service, not-for-profit, financial institution that has been committed to delivering an exceptional banking experience for over 85 years. A person who joins Lafayette Federal becomes an owner, unlocking member-exclusive benefits and personalized 24/7 service.

There are eight LFCU branch locations serving Maryland throughout the Greater Washington area. While there are currently no Lafayette Federal branches in Frederick County, members have access to over 30,000 surcharge-free ATM’s, including many here in Frederick.

Becoming a Member Has Advantages

Through membership, people have the opportunity to take advantage of tools and resources to help them succeed, including a college scholarship program, rewards program, Xfinity services and more. Lafayette Federal’s members experience support each step of the way through their individual financial goals. In comparison to a bank, Lafayette Federal offers fewer fees, nation-leading rates and personalized services.

Lafayette Federal upgraded online banking as well as the mobile app to a more robust, user-friendly platform where LFCU products and services can be opened or accessed at any time. Plus, access to Lafayette Federal’s worldwide network of surcharge-free ATMs and shared branches makes banking flexible for members.

Making Homeownership Easier to Achieve

Lafayette Federal mortgage loan officers understand the importance of the major life milestone of purchasing a home and, their mortgage products are designed accordingly to make home ownership easier to achieve. The First Time Home Buyer Program is offered to new buyers to help them achieve their dream of home ownership.

There are programs available to help with down payment assistance, including 100% financing mortgage products. Mortgage loan officers go beyond taking applications and actually work with home buyers to uncover what is most important for each individual, and match them with the loan product that best suits their needs.

A team of seasoned mortgage professionals will be there to guide homebuyers through the process and keep them informed every step of the way. Lafayette Federal mortgage professionals become lifelong financial partners with their members—when a person closes on their home, it’s only the beginning of their relationship with Lafayette Federal.

A Lifelong Financial Partner

Members can depend on a high level of individual focus and commitment from their financial partners at Lafayette Federal. The credit union philosophy “people helping people” guides the connection made with each member in helping them achieve their financial goals.

Mortgage loan officers frequently check in with home buyers and strive to anticipate their questions to bring peace of mind throughout the process of purchasing a home. A mortgage professional will work hard to find the answers to questions that cannot be immediately solved and maintain a partnership through the purchase or refinance process and beyond.

Business Banking

Lafayette Federal serves several different businesses throughout the community, typically assisting small to medium-sized businesses looking to expand their funds and help their business grow. There is a variety of options to help decide how to expand a business’s financial future.

Lafayette Federal offers a range of benefits for businesses including their Basic and Performance Checking accounts, which come with a Mastercard debit card, free e-statements and competitive rates. Plus, Prime Share and Money Market accounts help businesses earn dividends from their first deposit date, while variable and fixed-rate certificate accounts can help save the money needed to get a business running.

Membership Eligibility  

Frederick County residents are eligible to open a Lafayette Federal account through the American Consumer Council, but don’t worry, it’s included with the new membership account opening. People who live in Maryland, Washington, D.C., or Virginia are likely to be eligible for membership as well as people who work in the Potomac, MD area and those who live, work, worship or attend school in Washington, D.C.

The Lafayette Federal team is dedicated to serving its members. If a member ever has an issue with a service, they should never hesitate to reach out to the 24-hour call center for assistance. LFCU.org

Laura Grabowski was living in Tampa, FL when she found her calling. She got the encouragement she needed to switch her career and become a mortgage loan officer from a phone conversation with a claims adjuster, and she hasn’t looked back since. When Laura returned to Maryland after living in Florida for over ten years, she knew Frederick would be the place where she settled for good. She purchased a home just outside the Frederick city limits with her husband and in July 2021, Laura joined Lafayette Federal Credit Union (LFCU) as a mortgage loan officer. She is now helping others achieve their dream of homeowner - ship and loves showing people that LFCU is different from other credit unions. There is a reason behind purchasing a home and LFCU’s 30-day closing guarantee on pur - chases helps people get there faster. Laura had family in mind when she moved from Florida to Frederick County. She wanted to live in a home that would be close to her oldest son, Joshua, and his family so that Laura could spend precious time with her grandson. Laura fills her home with family photos as well as priceless artifacts to remember loved ones who are no longer here, including a custom boat coffee table built by her  stepfather. She loves to mix antiques with new pieces to add warmth and character to her home. Her unique finds to decorate her home often come from antique and specialty stores local to Frederick. For Laura, it’s important for her home to feel comfortable for friends and family to gather.