We set the Benchmark by our dedication to our five core values. These values extend beyond mere talking points; they are our way of life. Relationships In the mortgage business, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of each individual loan. With Benchmark, it is never only about the transaction. We keep the focus on …
Benchmark is thankful for all United States veterans and the sacrifices they’ve made for our country. We asked some of our own veterans here at Benchmark to share what makes them proud to have served our great nation. I am proud to have served in the US Navy. Volunteering four years of my life seems …
CNBC published an article on their Real Estate blog entitled, “‘Massive’ shortage of appraisers causing home sales delays” Below are a few quotes that summarize the story quickly, in case you don’t have the time or patience to read the article yourself. “The appraisal shortage is massive. You’re seeing significant delays, you’re seeing cost increases, …
“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am not for others, what am I? And if not now, when?” Rabbi Hillel It’s not often that an opportunity comes along with the ability to distinctly affect the lives of both the receiver, and the giver. So when it does happen, …
Naturally, if you’re paying 6% for your mortgage and you can refinance at 5%, you’re gonna do it. Although cutting your monthly payment remains an important motive, there are at least five other reasons to consider a mortgage refinance, for long-term savings and convenience. 1. Change your mortgage term If you decrease the term of …
The Obama administration is considering further actions to strengthen the housing market, but the bar is high: plans must help a broad swath of homeowners, stimulate the economy and cost next to nothing. One proposal would allow millions of homeowners with government-backed mortgages to refinance them at today’s lower interest rates, about 4 percent, according to …
What if there was a shoe store that had: An unparalleled selection of shoes of every size, color, and price range The shoes were discounted 30% or more You had a credit card that would finance the shoes for 30 years at 4.5% How many shoes would you buy? My bet is there would be …
When lenders evaluate mortgage borrowers, we look at four things: income (the ability to repay), credit (the willingness to repay), collateral (appraised value and property condition) and assets (cash in the deal and cash reserves after closing, mostly). Of the “four legs of the table”, assets are the least discussed, and yet may be the …
If you’re a first-time homeowner, you might be a bit intimidated by the prospect of looking for the best home insurance coverage to protect your investment. With all of the different insurance companies out there, it can be confusing to know which coverage options you need and how to get them at the lowest possible …
Everyone seems to have an opinion on where home prices are headed. Housing bulls are saying prices may start rebounding as early as later this year. Some housing bears are saying that prices may still drop another 10-15%. What actually is going to happen? No one knows for sure. However, Macro Markets, a financial technology …
