Countrywide and 1st USA Realty Launch Joint Venture

CALABASAS, CA – Countrywide, a national leader in residential finance, and 1st USA Realty today announced the formation of Ameriwest Home Loans, an operating Series of Countrywide Mortgage Ventures, LLC. Ameriwest Home Loans will enable home buyers and sellers to access a wide array of home financing programs, while simplifying the entire process of buying or selling a home. Ameriwest Home Loans will offer some of the most competitive loan products, interest rates and services in the industry. With more than 130 loan programs available, qualified home buyers will have options that include zero downpayment loans and a variety of fixed and adjustable rate options with optimum flexibility on rate and terms.

Other benefits for customers of 1st USA Realty who choose home financing through Ameriwest Home Loans include:

• A dedicated staff of home loan consultants to work directly with local home buyers.
• An Ameriwest Home Loans mortgage consultant who works closely with a 1st USA Realty realtor to develop financing options to fit the buyer’s particular property type and financial situation.
• Ameriwest Home Loans offers a top choice of home loan products and services to qualified borrowers.
• Special programs such as Fast & Easy(SM) that enables qualified borrowers with excellent credit access to a streamlined loan application.
• Streamlined UpFront Approval, subject to satisfactory property review and no change in borrower’s financial condition.

The seasoned, professional loan counselors of Ameriwest Home Loans are available and eager to assist customers. Ameriwest will have five locations in Arizona, including Glendale, Mesa, Scottsdale and Tempe. The main phone number for Ameriwest Home Loans is 480-926-8800.

About Countrywide Home Loans, Inc.
Founded in 1969, Countrywide Financial Corporation (NYSE: CFC) is a member of the S&P 500 and Fortune 500. Countrywide, through its subsidiaries, provides mortgage banking and diversified financial services in domestic and international markets. Mortgage banking businesses include loan production and servicing principally through Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., which originates, purchases, securitizes, sells, and services primarily prime-quality loans. The company is headquartered in Calabasas, California and has more than 35,000 employees with over 600 offices. For more information about the company, visit Countrywide’s Web site at www.countrywide.com.

About Countrywide Mortgage Ventures, LLC.
Recognizing the consumers’ desire for “one-stop shopping,” Countrywide Mortgage Ventures, LLC was founded in 2001 to facilitate joint ventures between Countrywide and various homebuilders, real estate companies and financial services companies. The company is headquartered in Calabasas, California and works closely with Countrywide’s Consumer Markets Division, based in Plano, TX.

About 1st USA Realty
USA Realty was the inspiration of Raymond White, Owner/CEO, and opened its first office in May of 1995. Ray’s intention to was provide real estate agents with the necessary services to perform their jobs in an effective and timely manner, at the same time not incorporating high fees normally associated with such services within traditional Real Estate companies. Ray knew that if he could accomplish this, doing so would reduce agent stresses and the agents could focus more time and energy where it is most important, the Real Estate Clients. Since 1995, 1st USA has grown to become the 3rd largest Real Estate Company in the State of Arizona, currently employing over 1500 agents.