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Speaking about the credit union difference in the mortgage industry, NAFCU Chief Economist and Director of Research Curt Long told Bankrate in an article published Thursday of the benefits of using a credit union as a mortgage lender.

"If you get a loan at a credit union, you're more likely to know who's going to service your loan," Long is quoted as saying. The servicer is "probably going to be the originating credit union," he said. By contrast, a loan from a bank may change hands – and servicers – many times over the life of the loan, the article noted.

Another benefit of taking out a mortgage at credit union, Long said, is that credit unions "are more likely to make lower- and middle-income loans than other originators." Long said credit unions can be helpful to members who have unique or non-traditional profiles.

The Bankrate article also notes NAFCU's CULookup.com tool, which aids consumers in finding a credit union they are eligible to join in their area.