Tag: homeowner

Benchmark Delivers A Christmas Homecoming Miracle

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.

Is it a Good Idea to Rent Rather than Sell Your Home?

by I Am Benchmark

With more homeowners considering that now may be a good time to sell their home, we thought it would be a good idea to consider whether renting might be a better idea.

According to Fannie Mae’s June 2015 National Housing Survey, 52% of respondents said that now is a good time to sell. Perhaps more interestingly, 59% of respondents expect home rental prices to increase.

Naturally, when you are considering selling your home, and you notice rental prices elevating, you are likely to consider renting. And who wouldn’t? Residual income on an owned asset, or having your house work to pay for itself sounds pretty good, right? This is when it makes sense to ask the question:

Are You Ready to be a Landlord?

Before you jump head-first into the world of being a landlord, take a look at this list. Sometimes what seems to be an obvious benefit can come with some hidden challenges.

10 Questions to ask before renting your home

If your tenant says they can’t afford to pay the rent this month because of more pressing obligations, how will you respond? (This happens most often during holiday season and back-to-school time when families with children have extra expenses).
Because of the economy, many homeowners cannot make their mortgage payment. What percentage of tenants do you think cannot afford to pay their rent?
Have you interviewed experienced eviction attorneys in case a challenge requiring one does arise?
Liability is greater in a non-owner occupied home. Have you talked to your insurance company about a possible increase in premiums?
Will you allow pets? Cats? Dogs? How big a dog?
How will you actually collect the rent? Electronically? By mail? In person?
Repairs are part of being a landlord. Who will take tenant calls when necessary and/or emergency repairs come up?
Do you have a list of licensed tradesmen readily available to handle these repairs?
How often will you do a physical inspection of the property?
Will you alert your current neighbors that you are renting the house?

The Takeaway

If you are prepared to handle the responsibilities that come with being a landlord, renting your home could be a great investment. Historically, renting residential real estate has been just that. However, if you are planning to sell before too long, the responsibilities that can come with renting your home may make any short-term economic benefit not worth the hassle.

Fire Prevention Tips for Every Homeowner

by Benchmark

As a homeowner, you will want to take the necessary steps in preventing a potential house fire. Fires can cause a great deal of damage not only to your property, but also to the many memories that you have made with your family in your home.

In addition, fires can be extremely dangerous for those who are in the house at the time that the fire starts. Every homeowner should take advantage of these fire prevention tips that will truly help you in preventing a fire within your home before it has the chance to start. Now you will have the peace of mind to know that you are safe in your own home.

Your Home’s Electrical System

One of the most common ways that a house fire starts is from a faulty electrical system. Your electrical system should be checked by a professional annually to ensure that you are not experiencing any issues. Some things that will be checked on your electrical system include grounded receptacles, damaged wiring that may have been caused by pests chewing on it, circuit breaker damage, tripped fuses, power surges and more. By hiring a professional to look over your system regularly, you are preventing the risk of your system starting an accidental fire within your home.

HVAC Systems

Air conditioning and heating systems require semi-annual maintenance in order to ensure the safest home possible and to take the necessary steps in fire prevention. An overworked fan motor or a clogged filter can start a fire in just a matter of minutes. Air conditioning coils should be cleaned, filters should be changed and furnace burners should be cleaned before starting up the heat at the beginning of the winter season. Regular HVAC maintenance will help to prevent a fire from starting in your home.

Flammable Liquids

If you have any flammable liquids within your home, they should be stored in areas where there is no ignition source present. For example, you will not want to store paint cans, gasoline or other flammable materials near the stove, washing machine or dryer as this can start a fire easily. In addition to flammable liquids, it is important to keep your stove and other ignition starters clear of any garbage or debris such as paper which can catch on fire in just seconds.

Other fire prevention tips for every homeowner include proper maintenance of your fireplace, being careful when using space heaters, keeping your appliances clean and using caution when burning candles and oil lamps. Preventing a fire is simple when you take the proper steps for you and your homes ultimate safety.

5 Questions Homeowners Should Ask Their Insurance Agent

by bmadmin

You do not have to be an expert on homeowners insurance just to make an informed purchase. As a wise consumer, it is important to read home insurance policies in detail and ask the important questions before you build a comprehensive insurance policy that will provide you with protection.

While premium is important, knowing how your policy will afford you coverage is more important. Insurance agents are licensed and trained experts on the subject. Here are 5 questions you should not forget to ask your agent to ensure that you are purchasing the right policy from the right insurer.

Questions To Ask Your Home Insurance Agent:

1. How much would it cost to rebuild my home in its current condition and location if it were a total loss?

One of the primary purposes of buying home insurance is to insure your home against total loss. You have the option to choose your dwelling limit, which will be the total amount the insurance company will pay for materials and labor to rebuild your home. If you are not familiar with home building costs in your neighborhood, ask your agent to help you calculate the cost to rebuild per square foot.

2. How much will you need to replace your personal belongings if they were destroyed?

Personal property coverage pays to repair or replace all of your personal belongings that are not attached to the dwelling. While the average home insurance policy provides you with 75% of your dwelling coverage to replace your belongings, this limit may need to be raised if you have a lot of valuables. Ask your agent for a home inventory checklist so that you can determine if you have enough coverage.

3. How much liability coverage do I need if something happens on or away from my property?

Liability coverage will protect you against lawsuits for property damage and injury. Liability pays for judgments and the cost to defend you in court. If you are not sure how much coverage you need, ask your agent. The standard home policy will provide $100,000 in coverage.

4. Do I need to add flood and earthquake coverage?

Homeowners insurance excludes losses that are caused by earthquake or flood. To protect yourself against these losses, you need to purchase a specialty flood and earthquake insurance policy. Specialized coverage is often recommended by the most seasoned property insurance agents.

5. Do we qualify for any discounts?

There are a number of ways you can reduce your home insurance premiums with discounts. Fire sprinklers, smoke detectors, alarm systems, monitoring services, a new roof, and gated entry can all qualify you for discounts. Ask about the discounts available through the insurer and make sure you take advantage of all of the discounts that you qualify for.

Make sure you ask the right questions when you are selecting an insurance contract. By getting informed, you can avoid building a policy that does not provide you adequate protection and peace of mind.