Bekins Offering Customers On The Move Access To Online Loan Approval In As Little As 10 Minutes - 23 February 2001

Friday, 23 February 2001

HILLSIDE, Ill.

The Bekins Company, one of the world's largest single-source relocation, transportation, distribution and logistics companies, today announced a new Web site feature that can tell customers in about 10 minutes if their home loan is approved.

Bekins is offering the online mortgage solution through the National Bank subsidiary, Homeside Lending, Inc.'s proprietary mortgage platform, which is powered by Fannie Mae's underwriting technology. HomeSide is the exclusive mortgage provider for Bekins.

Bekins customers will be able to obtain information on a variety of mortgage products and services, as well as apply for a loan online. One of the strongest advantages the online solution offers is the ability to provide customers a loan approval decision in as little as 10 minutes - before paying an application fee.

In addition, Bekins customers will be able to take advantage of several benefits for significant savings in time and money over traditional and other online lending solutions. For example, HomeSide's online loan requires 50 percent fewer application questions and required documentation, and loan approvals can be provided before or after the applicant has selected a home to purchase. Customized pricing is available for a wide array of loan products, and HomeSide also provides Loan Specialists for customers who prefer to apply by phone.

About The Bekins Company

Founded in 1891, Bekins Van Lines is the oldest, and one of the largest, van line companies in the United States. Bekins Van Lines consists of over 370 agents who provide quality, household goods relocation services, both domestically (and internationally through Matrix International Logistics, a Bekins Company operating unit.) A quality service organization, Bekins is the only major van line to be registered to ISO 9002 standards in all business product lines. Other Bekins Company operating units, besides Bekins Van Lines, include Bekins Worldwide Solutions, Bekins Trade Show Services and HomeDirectUSA. For more information, visit their website at www.bekins.com

About HomeSide Lending, Inc.

HomeSide Lending, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of National Australia Bank (ASX: NAB), is one of the world's largest full-service residential mortgage companies. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, HomeSide has a servicing portfolio of approximately $187 billion, representing more than two million homeowners. Additional information is available at www.esolutions.homeside.com. HomeSide Lending is an Equal Housing Lender.

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* The information contained in this media release is for media advice purposes only. The contents are true and correct at time of publishing/issuing, however may change over time. For further information about NAB products or rates, please go to Interest Rates, Fees & Charges