Benchmark has launched a new mortgage product that is customized to the unique career and financial outlook of professionals in the medical field. Last year, we launched the Medical Doctor Loan Program to better serve medical residents and doctors. Now we have further expanded our options for medical professionals to include jumbo loan amounts up …
Category: Home Ownership
Homeownership and Your 2017 Tax Return
The deadline to file your 2017 tax returns is approaching on April 17th. If you have not filed your taxes yet, you can take this opportunity to talk to your tax professional about how homeownership may impact your tax return this year. Here are a few reasons why you may want to. Mortgage Interest may …
Winter, Pets, and Homeownership
There are a TON of benefits homeownership brings for you and your pets. 68% of American households have a pet, according to the most recent APPA Pet Ownership Survey. The most popular pet being dogs in 48% of households, followed by cats in 38% of households. With our furry friends being such a big part …
How To Prepare Your Home For Winter
It’s That Time Of Year Again Winter officially begins on Thursday, and if you haven’t already winterized your home, it’s time to take action. Follow these steps to keep the comfort in, keep the cold out, and ensure your family’s safety. The energy cost savings doesn’t hurt, either, so get to it! Seal Drafty …
How To Maintain Your Sanity When Hosting For The Holidays
Welcoming your friends and family into your home can be one of the most anticipated events of the holidays. Whether you have family visiting from out of town, or if you’re hosting Christmas dinner this year, the fact that your home is the gathering place for your loved ones is a special privilege. However, all …
Top 20 Things to Recycle in Your Home
November 15th is “America Recycles Day!” In honor of this sustainable celebration, we have made a list of common household items that we can all recycle to help conserve resources and protect our environment. Kitchen Food Boxes cereal boxes, frozen meal boxes, crackers, pasta, etc Food Cans canned foods, canned drinks, canned sauces, etc Plastic …
Purchasing or Refinancing with the HomeStyle Renovation Program
The HomeStyle Renovation Program is available to borrowers who are looking to make Renovations, Repairs, or Improvements to a home with a single loan, rather than with a second mortgage, or home equity line of credit. At Benchmark, we know how important it is to make a house your own. Your Benchmark loan originator can …
Benchmark Memo: When Disaster Strikes, You Have Options
In the aftermath of the historic flooding in South Texas, and in anticipation of Hurricane Irma in the Caribbean, you should be aware of your financial options in the wake of devastation. The FHA 203(h) is a ZERO down program, and is available to homeowners and renters alike. At Benchmark, we know how important …
Under 35 Homeownership Rate Increases
The Rate of Homeownership has increased from 34.3% to 35.3% from first Quarter 2017 to Second Quarter 2017 for those under 35 years of age, according to a report from the United States Census Bureau. While popular media seems to portray Millennials as a generation of renters, a whitepaper from First American lists six reasons …
Why Buying Is Investing
If you are thinking about becoming a homeowner, it is important to see your house as an investment. A home is an asset with the potential to increase your financial stability over time. Unlike renting, where you pay your landlord’s mortgage without seeing any return yourself, homeownership works to broaden your financial worth. After purchasing …