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Benchmark Delivers A Christmas Homecoming Miracle

by Jason Haeger

Benchmark could just be another mortgage lender, but we’re not. Sure, every company has their ‘core values’, but there is something tangible and special about ours.

Our core values didn’t exist until after they were identified in the soul of the company years after it was established. These values not only inform how we do things, they defined what was already at work. They support an existing culture, rather than being the rules for mandating it. First and foremost, Benchmark is about relationships.

We recognize, and experience, the reality that it is people just like you who make what we do worthwhile. It’s not about money, fame, or pride; in the end, it’s about having the privilege to serve so many people in financing their dreams, while care for their future.

There are many client stories that remind us why we do what we do, and validate our mission. Stories like this one from our branch in Imperial, CA.

Good evening team, I wanted to thank you again for an incredible job getting the Rosales home for Christmas. They were homeless for 6 months, and living in a friend’s room with 2 kids.

We knew we could close for New Year’s but for Christmas we needed a miracle, and today when I give them the news that the house was recorded under their name, the first thing they told me was,

“Please thank everyone on your team because we knew we needed a Miracle and that Miracle is Benchmark. For the last 3 days every time I give Mom an update she will cry and I kept telling her don’t cry because you will make me cry.”

I was lucky to be present when they got the keys, and seeing her kids choosing their rooms and wanting to move all their furniture from storage tomorrow was the greatest gift I could have received as a Loan Officer. 

My client knows I’m the face of Benchmark, but without any of you this will never be possible. 
Valentina Estes, NMLS# 810063
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At Benchmark, we are committed to listening to your goals and setting you up for future success. To learn more, 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.

 

Benchmark brings you home.

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10 Great Christmas Traditions for Your Family

by I Am Benchmark

Merry Christmas!

The trees, the lights, the music, and of course, the meaning behind it all: It really is the most wonderful time of the year!

I’m one of those people who starts listening to Christmas music on November 1, and don’t be surprised if I put decorations out before Thanksgiving. I love Christmas and everything about it!

This particular Christmas was extra special for my family, as we had just welcomed our first baby into the world four months ago. Having our sweet new addition around had me feeling more of the Christmas spirit than usual (if that’s even possible), and made me want to make the most of the season. All of these warm fuzzy feelings had me thinking: what kind of new tradition could we start with our new little family?

Here are 10 Fun Christmas Tradition Ideas for Your Family

  1. Individually wrap 25 Christmas themed books and put them under the tree. Starting December 1, have your child open one each night before bed, and read it together as a family.
  2. Invite the family over for a day of making gingerbread houses! If your family is like mine, this will quickly turn into a competition!
  3. Make or get some hot chocolate and hit the road for a night of looking at Christmas lights.
  4. Volunteer at a soup kitchen together.
  5. Have a cookie baking and decorating day. Then deliver them to your local fire or police station.
  6. Give your child a gift to be opened on Christmas Eve—include Christmas pajamas, a Christmas book, movie, hot chocolate, and candy canes.
  7. All year long, empty spare change from your pockets into a jar. When Christmas comes, decide as a family who to anonymously give the jar to.
  8. Give each child $5 to spend at the dollar store to buy gifts for family members.
  9. Hide candy canes around the house and have your kids go on a Candy Cane Hunt.
  10. Have every family member write down their favorite memory from that year on a small piece of paper. Put them all into a clear ornament and label it with the year.

We would love to hear YOUR Christmas traditions! What do you look forward to most about Christmas each year? Whatever it is…we hope you had the best one yet.

Merry Christmas
(and Happy New Year)


C-Gomez
C. Gomez
C. Gomez works at our corporate office as an administrative assistant. She recently welcomed a new addition into her family as she became a new mom! As an avid fan of Christmas, she was excited to share this article. Thank you!

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Do’s & Dont’s for the Mortgage Process around CHRISTMAS

by bmadmin

The holiday season is always a crazy time, but that’s no reason not to take advantage of the great housing market, and make some new holiday memories in a new home. Benchmark is committed to a smooth and easy mortgage process, keep these simple do’s and don’ts handy as you start your home buying process this holiday season.

DO’s:

· Keep an eye on your holiday budget; remember not to make big purchases that might affect your credit score.
· Be sure and take into consideration your own personal schedule as the holidays tend to get hectic quickly.
· Use your neighborhoods Christmas decorations to gauge the atmosphere of the community.
· Call your Benchmark mortgage professional l to start your home search today! Nothing is better than a Christmas spent in a new home!
· Remember it is the holiday season for your loan officer and realtor. While they will gladly assist with any questions you might have, be mindful of their time.
· Let Santa and the Elves know that you have moved addresses!

DON’TS:

· Don’t make any large purchases (things that require credit checks or opening new lines of credit). This can affect your credit score and change your loan status.
· Don’t wait until the last minute to complete and send the required documents to your loan officer. Doing it in a timely manner will ensure a smooth loan process.
· Don’t rush putting an offer on a house just because you can close before the holiday season. Remember, this is a long-term decision.
· Don’t use your entire down payment on holiday gifts. Save the money you can.
· Don’t accept monetary gifts from relatives without consulting your loan officer first. (Monetary would be like down payment assistance)

Top 10 Best Selling Toys on Amazon.com for Christmas 2013

by Benchmark

Christmas 2013 is in the books and now retailers will have the rush of returns so people can get the gifts they really wanted.

If your kids still have a couple toys on their list, you might want to check online.

Here are the 10 best selling toys on Amazon.com for Christmas 2013:

10. Stomp Rocket Jr. Glow Kit – This air-powered rocket is great for your elementary school-aged children. It does not require any fuel or batteries and can soar to heights of up to 100 feet.

9. Qwirkle Board Game – Qwirkle is a great board game that is fun and mind-stimulating for the whole family. It is perfect for ages six and up and has been given various awards from organizations such as Mensa and the National Parent’s Choice.

8. Crayola Marker Maker – This easy-to-use kit allows your children to create 16 markers of your own choosing, giving them a little scientific freedom in an accessible, safe, and fun package.

7. Snap Circuits – This toy is perfect for the engineer in your family. Suited for children 12 and up, Snap Circuits allows you to create your own electronics. It has the parts and instructions for creating a fire alarm, radio, doorbell, and more.

6. Spot It – The Spot It board game takes a new twist on the quintessential card-matching game. It comes with circular game pieces that with 50 variations in total and also includes various mini games that keep each game of Spot It different from the last.

5. LEGO Minecraft The Nether – This Minecraft LEGO recreation is perfect for the Minecraft lover in your family. Suitable for young children as well as old, the LEGO Minecraft The Nether is a sure way to please the LEGO lover in your family this holiday season.

4. Perplexus Maze Game – The Perplexus Maze Game is a game in which players must move a marble around an obstacle course inside a clear sphere. A unique take on the classic Labryinth game, Perplexus features a 3D experience that will not disappoint.

3. VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker – VTech has developed a line of toys that allow both babies and toddlers to pay with because it can be used sitting or standing. Little ones can enjoy the toy on the floor, and as they grow the toy will still be a unique learning experience as they start walking with it.

2. Rainbow Loom – Rainbow Loom allows children to create their very own one-of-a-kind rubber bracelets. It is perfect for the constructive child in your family.

1. Cards Against Humanity – While the other toys on this list are suitable for children of most ages, Cards Against Humanity is not recommended for children under 17. This party game is sure to provide hours of hilarious entertainment for the older members of your family.

best selling toys on amazon.com for christmas 2013