Category: Inspiration & Motivation

Happy Veterans Day from Benchmark

If you or someone you love has served our nation in military service, thank you for your service to our nation. Happy Veterans Day from Benchmark.

The story of Veterans Day began on November 11, 1918, when the Allied nations and Germany went into armistice, bringing an end to “the war to end all wars.” In November of the following year, President Woodrow Wilson said,

“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”

and proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. Originally, the day was to be celebrated with parades and public meetings, as well as a temporary closure of business at 11:00 in the morning.

November 11 became a federal holiday when a resolution was passed by Congress on the fourth day of June in 1926, stating,

Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

An Act approved on the thirteenth day of May in 1938 made November 11th a legal holiday dedicated to the cause of world peace to be celebrated as “Armistice Day,” intended to honor veterans of World War I.

After the sacrifice of many during the second World War, and after the conflict in Korea, the 83rd Congress amended the Act of 1938 in 1954 to replace the word “Armistice” with “Veterans”, transforming the holiday we celebrate on the eleventh day of November into a day to honor all American veterans of all wars.

Also in 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower stated,

In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower in his Veterans Day Proclamation on November 8th, 2954

While there have been other minor changes since then, Veterans Day has been celebrated as such since 1954, on the history of the day set aside to celebrate peace at the end of the first “war to end all wars.”

To all who have served, Thank You. Happy Veterans Day.

How To Get or Stay In Shape While Staying Home

by Austin Cox

Exercise can be a great release. Not only does it provide a healthy and positive way to relieve stress, but it also improves physical and mental health. But like many other aspects of our daily lives, the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced our physical activity. There have been shutdowns, re-openings under strict guidelines, and shutting down again after having reopened.

Getting or staying fit can be challenging, especially with many fitness centers finding themselves forced into temporary or permanent closure. Thankfully, you don’t need a gym or fancy equipment in order to exercise or get in shape. Here are a few convenient at-home workouts that require little to no equipment.

Workout 1

Push-ups

Push-ups use your own body weight as resistance, and are a great way to build arm and chest strength.

When performing a push-up, make sure to keep your hands wider than your shoulders, and keep your elbows at a 90 degree angle at the bottom of the movement.

To start, you can perform 1 warm up set of 5 pushups.

After your warm up set, you should increase the number of repetitions per set. (Below is a recommendation.) Be careful to keep the same movement and form as the warm up set.

Reps: 15-20
Sets: 3

Bonus: For added resistance, fill a backpack up with canned food or books to add some extra weight.

Workout 2

Dips

Dips are a great way to build your triceps, chest, and shoulders. Find an object in your house that is about knee high and can support your weight: a couch or a loveseat usually will be good! If it is not heavy enough to not move during movement, you can place it against a wall.

Start by facing away from the furniture you are using, extend your legs so they are straight in front of you, positioning your hands wider than your shoulders on the surface of the object, supporting your weight with your hands.

Beginning with your arms fully extended, lower yourself to about one inch above the floor, and push yourself back up with your hands.

Reps: 15-20
Sets: 3

Bonus: To add some extra resistance, balance a heavy textbook or a heavy object you can lay in your lap while doing the movement.

Workout 3

Body weight squats

Put your hands on your hips or extend them out in front of you, depending on which helps you balance. Bend your knees until your thighs are angled to just below parallel, then stand back up.

Reps: 20-30*
Sets: 3-4*
*Depending on strength

Bonus: For extra resistance, wear a backpack filled with books, canned food, or similar heavy objects.

Cardio

Cardio is considered an important component to maintaining cardiovascular health, and is an important component to a balanced workout plan. Just doing 20-30 minutes of cardio activity a day could drastically improve your general health. Here are a few different cardio routines you can easily do around the house.

Running/Jogging in place

If you don’t have a treadmill, jog or run in place at a steady pace for 20–30 minutes. Increase or decrease your intensity depending on your experience level.

Running Stairs

If you live in a home with a flight of stairs, this is a great steady-state form of cardio that is sure to get your heart beating!

Walk, jog, or run up and down the stairs at a steady pace for 20–30 minutes. If jogging or running, be careful. That’s it!

Burpees

This is both a cardio and a resistance activity that can count as an entire workout! For those unfamiliar with burpees, they are a combination of a pushup, a squat, and a jumping jack.

Start in a squat stance, and drop down to a push up position. Then spring up from that position, and jump up in one fluid motion. If you need a bit of guidance, the video above shows the proper form for this exercise. Perform burpees at the fastest pace you are able to.

Reps: 15-20
Sets: 3-4

Now get moving and conquer your at home workout!

If the quarantine has you looking into buying a home and escaping the confines of an apartment, we can help.

Contact your local Benchmark branch. Contact us today for personalized information. Call me yourself or request a call from me. WeI would be honored to provide you with our famous excellent service for your new loan.

Benchmark brings you home.

Benchmark brings you home during COVID-19

by I Am Benchmark

What do you do when you move away in process of buying a home during a worldwide pandemic, finding yourself in a hotel which you can't leave? Benchmark never quits.

Win The Bidding War With Storytelling

by Jason Haeger

Get your offer accepted without the highest bid. Can't raise the competition with a higher offer? Use storytelling to win the seller over. Read it here.

How To Maintain Your Sanity When Hosting For The Holidays

by lmills

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 the stress from cooking, cleaning, and social duties of hosting may get in the way of enjoying the moments and memories with your guests. Following these tips may help you achieve balance and celebrate the joy of your holiday gathering.

Prepare in Advance

Get ahead so you don’t feel like you are falling behind. Do you wait until the last minute to do your shopping, or prepare your home for guests? Of course, doing anything last-minute is a tried and true recipe for anxiety or stress. By making a list of what you need from the store early, you may be able to beat the holiday crowd — if you wait until the day before Christmas, you are giving yourself the gift of a stress filled shopping trip. The best cure for situational stress is preparation. You can do it!

Don’t Overcommit

Promising more than you are able to deliver will run you ragged. While it is sometimes easier to say ‘Yes’ than to risk confrontation, Remember, it is okay to say ‘No.’ If you lack space or patience to host guests from out of town, or if you are uncomfortable cooking a complicated meal, it’s okay to say ‘No.’ Your family most likely loves you as much as you love them, and will understand. Ultimately, you will be more relaxed, leading to happier holidays.

Delegate Tasks

Once you have prepared and decided that you can handle hosting your loved ones, it’s time to distribute the work to those willing to help out. Relying only on yourself to get everything done will make it difficult to enjoy the experience. Ahead of time, take down a list of everything you need to accomplish, and try to delegate at least 50% of the tasks to family members or outside sources. If you have limited help, or limited space, this is where prioritization and balance really come to the rescue.

Consider Catering

If you normally find yourself trapped in the kitchen during your holiday hosting, consider catering a meal for your guests to enjoy. Sure, your grandmother’s family pie recipe is better, but is a ready-to-bake pie from the store good enough? Is the catered green bean casserole better than your old standard? Even outsourcing a portion of the kitchen tasks can give you room to breathe, and even enjoy the tasks you’ve reserved for yourself to brag about. Everyone will likely appreciate mixing up your typical holiday cuisine, and you will gain quality time spent with your friends and family instead of stressing in the kitchen. Joy to the host!

What Are Your Tips?

If you have tried these, or if you have your own tips that we should know about, please leave it in a comment below! We would love to hear from you.

Benchmark Named Top 100 Places To Work

by I Am Benchmark

We are proud to announce that Benchmark Mortgage was named in the Top 100 Places To Work For 2017 by The Dallas Morning News!

We are honored by this award, especially when considering what it takes to be among the rare air of the other 34 winning Mid Size Businesses who were also named to this list. To quote Doug Claffey, CEO of WorkplaceDynamics*,

“This is far more than a popularity contest. What distinguishes a Top 100 workplace is a fundamental difference in philosophy about what drives success. Winners put employees at the center of things. They create an environment that unleashes potential, inspires performance and, in the process, boosts the bottom line.”

Cheryll Hall of The Dallas Morning News writes*,

“No company has ever made our Top 100 list based solely on pay, perks and benefits. Not one.”

We have always operated according to our Core Values of Positive Attitude, Relationships, Dynamic, Excellence, and Success. We have always provided unparalleled support for our branch partners (80+ branches nationwide). Over the years, we have cultivated these values with our approach to the mortgage business as The Benchmark Way.

We never needed an award for giving back to those who have vowed to give it all (http://bootshoot.com), to support our team members in time of need, or to simply do the right thing as members of our community. Even so, the Top 100 is a good reminder to take a look in the mirror, and evaluate whether our priorities are as aligned as they once were. This year, we were given confirmation that we are still on target.

Thank you, Dallas Morning News!

For more information about Benchmark, please visit https://whois.benchmark.us

* https://www.dallasnews.com/business/top-100-workplaces/2017/03/05/company-winner-enter-top-100-places-work-competition

Top 20 Things to Recycle in Your Home

by I Am Benchmark

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 Jugs
milk jugs, juice jugs, etc
Paper Towel Rolls
don’t forget plastic wrap rolls, aluminum foil rolls, and their boxes
Plastic Bottles
condiments, soft drinks, dressings, etc
Old Appliances
microwaves, toasters, dishwashers, refrigerators, stoves, etc
Cooking Oil
vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut oil, and other frying oils can be used as biodiesel

Bathroom

Shampoo Bottles
don’t forget conditioner and other bottled cosmetic cleansers
Soap Boxes
paper wrappers and other cardboard cosmetic and hygiene product boxes as well
Toilet Paper Roll
if you have small children in your house, consider reusing them for crafts!

Living Room

Household batteries
AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, and button cell batteries
Electronics
televisions, remote controls, blu ray players, stereos, speakers, sound bars, game consoles, etc

Bedroom

Tissue Boxes
don’t forget other cardboard panels and containers
Magazines
and newsletters, books at the end of their life, etc
Mattresses
foam, innerspring, latex, or combination

Office

Junk Mail
postcards, letters, fliers, and more. more fun to throw, so consider a bin for recyclables next to the trash bin
Scrap Paper
printing mistakes, notepad pages, hole punched holes, and more no paper left behind!
Ink Cartridges
some models allow you to reuse them, or exchange for refurbished at a discount

Garage

Tires
don’t forget lawn tractor and other tires
Automotive Fluids
oil, power steering fluid, coolant, brake fluid, can all be either used for fuel or recycled

Some items require advanced processing and recycling may not be available in all cities. Click here to see if recycling for these items is available in your area.

Remember, it is better to reduce what you use, and reuse what has already been used, and lastly, to recycle items that would otherwise end up in a landfill. Paper, cardboard, and organic matter can also be composted to help feed your garden.

Ready to Buy a New Home? 5 Free Resources to Get You Started

by lmills

Are you purchasing a home for the first time? Are you looking to move? We have compiled five free resources to ensure you have an amazing experience buying your new home.

1) Your Way Home

Do you want to learn more about the process from applying for a mortgage through closing on your new home? Do you have a realtor? Do you need one? Why do you have to sign so many documents? Confused? Don’t be. Checkout this free tool that explains the process from start to finish and provides a customized path to finding and purchasing your home after you answer four quick questions.

Go see it out here: Your Way Home

This tool is available on our loan officer sites. Go here here, and visit one to see more.

2) Simplifying the Home Buying Process In 7 Steps

What’s the difference between prequalification and preapproval? What do home inspectors look for? What happens during your closing? Watch these short videos featuring actual loan officers, realtors, appraisers, and underwriters who will walk you through the process of buying your dream home.

Check it out here: Benchmark University

3) Gather Your Documents

What paperwork do you need to compile to apply for your home loan? Your loan officer will help you gather all of the documents you need to seek approval for a loan. Want to get a leg up? Check out what documents you will need here.

See which documents you should have ready: Benchmark University

4) Mortgage Calculator

What will your monthly payment look like? How much will you pay in interest over the life of your loan? Can you really afford the house you want? Use this free, easy, and intuitive mortgage calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payment.

Do some mortgage math: Mortgage Calculators

5) eBooks on Buying and Selling

Stressed about buying a house? Having trouble selling your current home? What is a short sale? These free ebooks will help you purchase or sell a home with confidence.

Check out (no pun intended) our free eBooks: Benchmark University

Still have questions? Ready to get started? Reach out to one of our Branches to start the process of purchasing your new home today, or apply now!

Still have questions? Ready to get started? Contact us or apply now to start the process of purchasing your new home today!

Still have questions? Ready to get started? Call me, contact me, or apply now to start the process of purchasing your new home today!

5 Tips To A Great Start For The New School Year

by I Am Benchmark

Every new school year brings with it a clean slate, nervous excitement, optimistic hope, and high expectations. In addition to the tips we published before (A New School Year Means New Opportunities), here are 5 tips to getting off on the right foot.

A Place For Everything, And Everything In Its Place

Establish a designated place for all school supplies and papers. You will appreciate having a single location where school related items stay, especially when things get hectic.

Tell Your Calendar Who Is Boss

Schedule your family’s important doctor, dental, and other appointments ahead of time. Before blocking out your calendar with after school activities, block out important dates and appointments. The dates will be set, and you won’t be scrambling to fit them in later. Don’t forget to schedule your own appointments too!

Well Laid Plans Make Life Easier

When it comes to planning, anything worth doing is worth overdoing. Set yourself up for success by doing more than just planning. Over-plan, because failing to plan is planning to fail. Within a few short weeks, everyone in your household will ease into their own rhythm, and the hours will plan themselves. Until then, overdo your preparations for new learning strategies, new schedules, and new teachers.

Take The Time To Soak It All In

Don’t forget to stop and slow down every once in a while. Every new school year brings with it the excitement of novelty and the anticipation of change. Remember to stop every now and then, to take a deep breath, and to enjoy each moment. As Socrates famously said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.”

Embrace Your Inner Optimist

Attitudes are contagious, so remember to smile, maintain a positive attitude, and believe that the best is yet to come.

Leaves and Trends Change Colors Every Fall: Pantone’s Fall Colors for 2016

by I Am Benchmark

Fall brings changes to the colors outdoors, but it doesn’t stop there.

Pantone releases their fall colors annually. According to Pantone, this year’s fall color palette represents “a unity of strength, confidence and complexity.” The colors, inspired by “the desire for tranquility, strength and optimism” are led by the Blue family. Each of the individual colors stray from the typical fall shades to make vivacious statements.

Riverside is confident and practical. To bring this soothing and stable color into your home, consider napkins that follow the same color theme. Such a sensible shade lasts well through the season for your guests or family around the table.

The second shade of blue chosen for fall, Airy Blue nods to Serenity, one of the two Pantone colors of the year. This particular blue can easily fit into your home with candles to add a sense of warmth. Just like many of the other fall colors, Airy Blue is relatively easy to incorporate into your home and through the seasons.

If you’re looking to add a sharp and contemporary look in your home, check out Sharkskin. This color is bold, but natural. The edgy grey tone pairs well with bright or muted colors making it ideal in the form of sheets.

There’s no doubt that shades of red grab everyone’s attention. Aurora Red is one that’s warm and pleasing to the eye. To add this rich color to your kitchen, consider bright bakeware.

Warm Taupe is a shade that pairs well with any of the top 10 Fall colors. The timeless color suggests stability and trust. The versatile shade can be incorporated at your dinner table with a dinnerware set set that can be dressed up with complimentary table decor.

For a welcoming color, look at Dusty Cedar. As temperatures decrease, cozy up in this perfect fall version of pink with a soft blanket. This shade is fit for both fall and winter and the rose undertones will add a unique look to your couch.

If you’re searching for a sophisticated and elegant color, turn to Lush Meadow. Show off this vibrant color with natural green coasters. Lush Meadow is the color that let’s you bring the outdoors indoors.

Spicy Mustard is an unexpected color, but the zesty shade brings an uplifting splash of vibrancy. Set the dining table with a runner that brings excitement to a decorative place setting. Spicy Mustard pairs especially well with Riverside, Sharkskin and Potter’s Clay.

Potter’s Clay is full of orange undertones that make it perfect for both fall and winter. The earthy shade references the outdoor color changes of fall. Add a pair of taper candles to your dining room or mantle to bring the neutral earth tone indoors.

On the other hand, Bodacious is a more lively and electrifying shade of purple for the fall season. If you’d like to make a statement with this fall color in your living room, choose a soft throw pillow. Just like the rest of the fall palette, Bodacious pairs well with one or all of the colors to add vibrance in your home.