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.
Benchmark brings you home during COVID-19
Tag: Novel Coronavirus
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Define COVID-19 Forbearance Repayment Options
We previously talked about Forbearance as an option for anyone negatively impacted because of COVID-19. Forbearance is one of the most common options for those who cannot make their mortgage payments on time. Typically, once a loan is out of the agreed timeframe of forbearance, the borrower is expected to pay a “balloon payment,” or …
Benchmark Interview Series: Real Estate during COVID-19 pandemic, Part 4
It’s no secret that realtors work hard to create a great home finding process for their clients. For top notch realtors, this has not really changed. Restrictions have been put in place to ensure that visiting homes is done safely, and inline with the CDC’s recommendations. When home sellers have multiple people wanting to look at the house, Realtors will often try to access the house without their clients, providing a walk-through video, as well taking note of things the homebuyer may want to know about. This requires a lot of trust in your realtor partner, and borrowers may need to be ready to potentially purchase a house without actually stepping foot inside of it.
Benchmark Interview Series: Real Estate during COVID-19 pandemic, Part 3
If you are considering listing your house for sale, you have probably considered the fact that people will want to come tour the inside of the house. This is where the realtor you choose can make a big difference. Photographs and 3D digital tours have become popular solutions to boosting your house listing, and allow potential buyers to see enough of the house that they may make an offer, site unseen. Realtors are also seeing that every protective measure is taken to make sure they enter a house with facemasks and sanitization before, and after, viewing a house.
Benchmark Interview Series: Real Estate during COVID-19 pandemic, Part 2
Home inventory helps predict whether it’s a “Seller’s Market” or a “Buyer’s Market.” When there are too many houses for sale, the buyer has the advantage. When there are not enough houses, sellers have the advantage. Home inventory changes based on location, so good advice in one city, may be harmful in another. No matter what inventory level your area is seeing, the important thing to note is that houses are still selling, people are still moving, and you can too! Ask your local Benchmark Loan Officer to connect you with one of their trusted realtor partners to get started today!
Benchmark Interview Series: Real Estate during COVID-19 pandemic, Part 1
The team you work with matters! The industry has changed a lot, and working with an expert who can navigate the changing guidelines is more important than ever. Lenders today are dealing with constraints that have taxed the entire industry with challenges, including long wait times on appraisals. In some cases, some lenders are just not sending funds to close their loans. Ultimately, how long is the home buying process taking? Overall, transaction times haven’t changed very much. Benchmark has a team dedicated to making sure loans close quickly, efficiently, and on time.
What is mortgage forbearance, and what does it mean for you?
In a mortgage forbearance agreement, the lender agrees not to foreclose on a mortgage, and the borrower agrees to a plan that will result in a temporary adjustment to provide relief, and to pay the balance to be current with the original payment plan.
VA Appraisal Update: COVID-19
The Department of Veterans Affairs has made adjustments to the way VA Loan appraisals can be conducted in these uncertain times. In an attempt to both take care of the appraiser and limit the amount of face to face interaction, appraisers are now allowed a “broader use of exterior appraisals.”
Market Update for March 25th
Founding Partner Stewart Hunter delivers a quick market update, including the $2 Trillion bailout package, shelter in place, and Benchmark's own market and operation status.
How to be a Real Estate Pro In Times of Uncertainty: Understanding Market Issues
Your knowledge, leadership, and ability to adapt quickly are all being tested. Master these tips to surge to the top of your client's minds when they go to recommend an expert. Here is Part 1 of our Client First video series: Understanding Market Issues.