Carl Spiteri

Listen to Episode 2: In this episode of ‘On the House,’ we explore the top questions about the process of homeownership and practical steps to help get you there! Watch Episode 2 on YouTube: Everything You Need To Know Before Buying a Home This Year | On The House Podcast   Host: Jason Haeger – …
The post Episode 2: Everything You Need To Know Before Buying a Home This Year appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

In this episode of ‘On the House,’ we explore the impact of high-interest rates and challenges faced in 2023, emphasizing the importance of careful consideration before making housing decisions. Additionally, we delve into predictions for 2024, including forecasts for home sales, mortgage rates, and property values from industry experts. Want to see if homeownership is …
The post Episode 1: Was It A Mistake Buying a House in 2023? appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

 A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is an easy way to borrow money using your home’s value as collateral. Let’s look into how a HELOC works and whether this option is right for you. How Much Can You Borrow with a HELOC? The first step in deciding if a HELOC is right for you …
The post Is a HELOC a good financial choice? appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

The resurgence of everything pumpkin spice means that fall is upon us once again. You are probably as excited to pull out that box of fall décor as we are. If you live in a building (a house, duplex, apartment, condo, etc..) then there are some other important tasks that should be added to your …
The post Prepare Your Home for Fall appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

Searching for a home? That’s great! It’s a good time to buy! We know that it can be stressful, as interest rates could go up during your search. What if it didn’t have to be that way? What if you could be certain that your interest rate wouldn’t change while you searched for your next …
The post How To Make Your Interest Rate Hold For Longer appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

If your mortgage application has been denied, you don’t have to give up on your home ownership dreams. There are steps you can take to improve your ability to get approved for a loan. First, it is crucial to get in contact with your lender. There are a multitude of reasons as to why an …
The post Your mortgage application was denied. Now what? appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

‘Twas a crisp, cold, clear night, when we hoped for a house. With my hot cocoa stirring, I looked at my spouse. We’d mapped out our assets and budget with care, In hopes that our offer would not catch a snare. The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While dreams of new bedrooms …
The post 15 Tips For An Easy Mortgage Process During The Holidays appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

It’s a seller’s market, and it’s not easy to make an offer within twenty-four hours to beat the crowd….If your search has faced competition, low inventory, or financial limitations, consider getting creative. These four unique housing options could help to cut costs so you can save faster for a possibly larger down payment.
The post How to Get Ahead When You Can’t Get the House You Want appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

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Is Refinancing always a good idea? That depends on who you are, and what your reason is for refinancing. In this post, I give an example so you can make your own informed calculations.
The post The Math of Refinancing: Does It Make Financial Sense? appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

Housing inventory is one of the factors that can dramatically affect the temperature of the real estate market. Less inventory means more potentially more competition and higher prices. Whether you’re a buyer or currently in the seller market, this can determine your strategy. Like most investments or assets, housing inventory can fluctuate anytime. This is …
The post Tips For Home Buyers In A Low Inventory Market appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

An interest rate determines how much money must be paid in a mortgage payment. The higher the rate, the higher the interest payment. Do you agree that buying now really does mean buying more?
The post Buy Now To Buy More: What Interest Rates Mean For You appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

Skype and Zoom have been around for awhile, but have recently soared in popularity, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and social distancing restrictions. It’s nearly impossible to talk with our co-workers or safely meet with prospective clients in the current market without these critical communication tools. With these new challenges, now is the time to …
The post Mastering Video Calls | Pro Tips to Improve Your Image with Clients appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

Benchmark stands by our veteran heroes who put their lives on the line to defend our freedoms. Boot’n & Shoot’n is just another way we give back.
The post Boot’n & Shoot’n: Beyond Mortgages appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

Every day, we work hard to make sure that the “You” in our motto means everyone. We do not discriminate against any customer, and strive to provide a first-class mortgage experience for all.
Racism has no place in our society, and Benchmark is committed to providing equal access to everyone who desires the American dream of home ownership.
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If you rent, you probably have good reasons. I bet that “paying my landlord’s mortgage”, “noisy neighbors”, or other caveats aren’t among them. Look, we know that owning isn’t right for everyone. As much as we write about why owning a home is better than renting, there are legitimate reasons for choosing to rent. For …
The post Is Buying A Home Really More Expensive Than Renting? appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

Active duty service members move every 3 years on average. For military families, frequent relocation can create added stress, as you have to find new housing, coordinate the logistics of a move, and establish new roots in an unfamiliar place. At Benchmark, we want to help alleviate some of that stress, and help ensure a …
The post Strategies for A Successful PCS Move appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

Stewart Hunter, Benchmark Founding Partner, shares his personal advice for you if you are considering mortgage forbearance. From the risks of forbearance to alternative solutions, Benchmark Mortgage is dedicated to helping you gets serious about how today’s decision can affect your future.
The post A Message About Forbearance From Benchmark’s Founding Partner appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

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.
The post What is mortgage forbearance, and what does it mean for you? appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

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.
The post Market Update for March 25th appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

Special measures have been taken to help account for challenges facing the real estate market due to COVID-19. Here are the temporary flexibilities in place to facility the continuation of transactions for buyers.
The post New appraisal and origination requirement changes announced due to COVID-19 appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

How to be the professional that clients need during times of uncertainty. This is the introductory video to a series aimed at helping empower you to be a force for good in your market. When uncertainty abounds, be the voice of calm confidence.
The post How to be a Real Estate Pro In Times of Uncertainty: Intro appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

Dear Benchmark Clients, Partners, Vendors and Staff: As our nation and the world continues to deal with the issue of the coronavirus, it is important that we provide you information regarding steps Benchmark is and will take to protect our collective health and mortgage operations. The measures described below are in place or being enacted; …
The post Regarding COVID-19: A Note From Benchmark appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

Effective on January 1st 2020, there will be several changes to the VA loan program. The VA loan is a mortgage loan program that provides many great benefits for veterans and their families. With the passing of the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019, several changes are coming that every veteran considering applying …
The post New VA Loan Changes start on January 1st, 2020 appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

When buying a custom home, consider a One Time Close to simplify the buying process.
The post How to Buy a New Construction Home from a Builder  appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

An IRRRL, or Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan, is a quick VA refinance option with fewer qualifications and less paperwork than other refinance loan options. It’s meant to be a quick and non-complicated refinance option for qualified VA homeowners, and there is no appraisal requirement. Read more
The post What is an IRRRL VA refinance loan? appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

In this video, Jim McMahan, President of Benchmark Mortgage, talks about the market, interest rates, and debt strategy to help you decide whether refinancing might be a good option for your financial goals.
The post 2019 Summer Market Update With Jim McMahan: Is it a good time to refinance? appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

In 1999, a couple of friends who worked as loan officers decided that they could do more. The mortgage industry needed something new and better. The time was right to prioritize the client experience. They knew that doing better meant putting the best team together. They wanted to create a company that would set standards; …
The post Celebrating 20 Years Of Mortgage Excellence appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

A lawn in summer is a wonderful thing! It is the proper location for picnics, barbecues, slip-n-slides, and more. Forget chemical fertilizers and herbicides. You can still enjoy a healthy SAFE lawn by following natural lawn maintenance tips below.
The post Natural Lawn Maintenance Tips for Safe Summer Fun appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

Boot’n & Shoot’n 2019 took place on April 18th, and we are pleased to announce that more than 1 million dollars was raised to help veterans this year! This is Boot’n & Shoot’n’s 8th year, and Benchmark has been behind every single one. Every year, this event is special, and this year’s was no different. …
The post Boot’n & Shoot’n 2019 Recap: Benchmark Gives Back appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

Should you buy a home in the spring, or should you wait? Here are four good reasons to buy now.
The post Should You Buy A Home This Spring? appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

Do you suffer from curb envy? Do you want bragging rights for the most inviting home on the block? Have you just moved in, and want to dress the entrance with your own personal style? Or, are you looking to sell, and want to make your home more appealing to potential buyers? No matter your …
The post This Spring, Enhance Your 🏠 Curb Appeal! appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

So, you are home shopping, have found ‘The One,’ and you’re ready to make an offer. Are you sure you know what you’re doing? I mean, of course you know that you plan to make an offer, but do you know what comes with the house that you think you are ready to buy? The …
The post What Should You Check Before Making An Offer On Your Next House? appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

The fee amount depends on the type of veteran, whether you choose to put a down payment, and whether you have used the VA loan benefit before. Some people are exempt from having to pay the fee, and the VA has the last word on who is exempt.
The post VA…
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With student debt making headlines on a regular basis, and the rates of homeownership being lower, is there a connection? Maybe. In the first issue of Consumer & Community Context, a publication from the Federal Reserve, an article by Alvaro Mezza, Daniel Ringo, and Kamila Sommer, Federal Reserve Board Division of Research & Statistics  entitled, “Can …
The post What is the Affect of Student Loan Debt On Homeownership? appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

If you are thinking about refinancing, you probably have a good reason. Maybe  you are curious if you could save money by locking in a lower interest rate. Maybe you wonder if you could use some of the equity you have established in your home. Whatever your reason, here are 5 things to know before …
The post Does it Make Sense to Refinance? 5 Things To Know appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

If you want to buy a home this year, here are five tips on how to buy a house in 2019. At Benchmark, we make the effort to make it easy to claim your piece of the American Dream. Watch this video, then read last week’s article linked below. This New Year, Reach Your Dream …
The post How To Buy A House In 2019 – 5 Tips appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

The Federal Housing Finance Agency has announced that the maximum conforming loan limits for mortgages has increased. In most of the country, the confirming loan limits will increase nearly 6.5%, from $453,100 to $484,350 for 2019. For most high-cost areas, where 115% of the local median home value exceeds the loan limit, the loan limit …
The post FHFA Announces Conforming Loan Limit Increase In 2019 appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

Unfortunately, it depends on the situation and reasons, so there is no simple answer for bad credit. A few potential reasons could be that you have experienced a divorce which led to a bankruptcy, mismanaged your finances, experienced job loss, or any other financial hazards. Your credit is calculated from many moving parts. The good …
The post Can I Still Get A VA Loan With Bad Credit? appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

In 2017, Australian millionaire Tim Gurner famously attempted to blame millennial homebuyer obstacles on their inability to avoid frivolous spending on $19 avocado toast, in comments that were widely mocked throughout the internet. Many commentators are still quick to point the finger at extravagant spending to explain why homeownership among younger adults has declined compared …
The post 2018 Homeownership Profiles: Millennial Buyers appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

Building a new home offers many advantages over purchasing an existing home on the market. You are able to customize the home to your specific needs and preferences and avoid costly repairs of outdated features. New homes are often also more energy efficient and technologically equipped. Different from Traditional mortgages. Securing financing for a construction …
The post Construction Loans: What to Expect appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

The weather is heating up, and so is the summer housing market. With more buyers entering the market looking to find a new home during the summer months, competition can be fierce. Every homebuyer’s nightmare is finding their dream home, only to lose it in a multiple-offer scenario that drives the asking price up beyond …
The post How to Buy in a Competitive Summer Market appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

Your biggest opportunity is easily your most overlooked. Millennials have long been getting the cold shoulder from realtors who don’t believe they are seriously looking for or even able to afford a house. Well, today we brought in a dynamic duo who has been crushing the competition by appealing to… Read more

There are several essential things to consider for first time home buyers. Buying a home is one of the biggest investments of a person’s life. It’s exciting and nerve-racking at the same time. Prior to your home search, make sure you have some things in order to make sure the… Read more

The deadline to file your 2017 tax returns is approaching on April 17th. If you have not filed your taxes yet, you can take this opportunity to talk to your tax professional about how homeownership may impact your tax return this year. Here are a few reasons why you may want to. Mortgage Interest may …
The post Homeownership and Your 2017 Tax Return appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

Tip – how to leverage Birthdays.: Be personal, and be quick. Best is to SlyDial them the day before their birthday. When their voicemail picks up, say “Hey I’m reaching out to you today because I know I’m busy tomorrow, but I wanted to call you and say Happy Birthday!… Read more

  Facebook Posts in 3 Steps Step 1: Eye–Balls What types of Social Media posts generate the greatest amount of Engagement/Views? Here are a few: “Thinking of BBQ tonight? What is the best BBQ place in San Diego?” Or: “What’s the best pizza place in Miami?” Asking questions about your… Read more

What are the 4C’s? If you’ve ever bought a diamond, you’ve heard of the 4C’s – cut, clarity, color, and carat weight – that help you determine where to invest. In the name of keeping life simple, I’m going to offer you the 4C’s of choosing an agent for the… Read more

The Mortgage Bankers Association forecast for 2018 reflects continued growth in new home sales (housing starts), and a slight increase in existing home sales. The report also reflects a continued, albeit slight, increase in 30 year fixed interest rates… Read more

  Use unbranded cards with a symbol or monogram that represents you. It’s a real personal note. Use Blue ink. It looks original and positive. Words: use you, but avoid I, me, and my. Be specific in your praise. Identify and acknowledge a characteristic, a talent, a unique quality. Leverage… Read more

  10 calls Before 10 am You are busy. I’m busy. We are all busy. However, if we don’t focus on completing the Most Important Tasks first thing in the morning, it becomes easy to spend an entire day doing ‘busy work’ and no time left for Prospecting. First and… Read more

There are a TON of benefits homeownership brings for you and your pets. 68% of American households have a pet, according to the most recent APPA Pet Ownership Survey. The most popular pet being dogs in 48% of households, followed by cats in 38% of households. With our furry friends being such a big part …
The post Winter, Pets, and Homeownership appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

We will be closed December 25th to celebrate with our families.
The post Happy Holidays To You And Yours appeared first on Benchmark.
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Yesterday, December 7, 2017, the Federal Housing Administration announced that for 2018, 3,011 out of 3,141 counties in the U.S. (~96% of all counties in the nation) will see an increase in FHA loan limits. Ceilings and Floors In high-cost areas, the FHA’s loan limit ceiling will increase this year to $679,650, up from $636,150, …
The post HUD Announces New FHA Loan Limits appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

Last year, the conforming loan limit was set to increased to $424,100 for this year (2017). Now, most of the United States will see an increase for single unit properties to $453,100 for 2018. The HERA (Housing and Economic Recovery Act) indicates that the baseline conforming loan limit should be adjusted with the change in …
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Every year, the nation wide Benchmark family comes together during our annual Production Trip to celebrate our Core Values, and to learn ways to better serve you, our amazing clients. This year, we invited Todd Duncan to join us. Last week in Miami, our team sat down with Mr. Duncan to discuss High Trust Leadership, …
The post Benchmark Took Their Talents to South Florida with Todd Duncan appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

The term “jack-o’-lantern” was first applied to people, not pumpkins. As far back as 1663, the term meant a man with a lantern, or a night watchman. Just a decade or so later, it began to be used to refer to the mysterious lights sometimes seen at night over bogs, swamps, and marshes. The term …
The post Jack O’Lanterns: A Brief History appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

In the second week of Autumn, there is a refreshing cool in the air, a visible change in the natural landscape, and a desire to make use of the days as their lengths are continually shortened in anticipation of the coming winter. This is a list of 7 amazing destinations for you and your family, …
The post Fantastic Fall Destinations To Explore appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

In the aftermath of the historic flooding in  South Texas, and in anticipation of Hurricane Irma in the Caribbean, you should be aware of your financial options in the wake of devastation. The FHA 203(h) is a ZERO down program, and is available to homeowners and renters alike.   At Benchmark, we know how important …
The post Benchmark Memo: When Disaster Strikes, You Have Options appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

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 …
The post 5 Tips To A Great Start For The New School Year appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

Calling it “Dynamic Ads for Real Estate,” Facebook describes the service, Facebook’s dynamic ads for real estate leverage cross-device intent signals to automatically promote relevant listings from your inventory with a unique creative on Facebook. This is the first time the social media giant has ventured into Real Estate specific advertising, raising potential concern for …
The post Facebook Introduces Targeted Real Estate Advertising appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

If you are thinking about becoming a homeowner, it is important to see your house as an investment. A home is an asset with the potential to  increase your financial stability over time. Unlike renting, where you pay your landlord’s mortgage without seeing any return yourself, homeownership works to broaden your financial worth. After purchasing …
The post Why Buying Is Investing appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

If you plan on moving soon, you may find your home in a new city. While there is no doubt that moving to a new city will be an adjustment, prioritizing what’s important to you and your family can help make the decision much easier. Consider these 5 factors as you evaluate your options.   School Districts …
The post 5 Things People Look For When Moving to a New City appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

Do you have children or grandchildren? If you do, you are likely considering their higher education opportunities long before they have similar thoughts of their own. If trends are any indicator, the cost of four year and two year universities continue to rise every year. As the cost of college increases, planning and investing in your child’s future …
The post 4 Tips to Save for Your Child’s College Tuition appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

What Role Do Pets Play? 61% of U.S. households have a pet or have future plans to get one. 99% of owners feel that their pet is part of the family. 81% of Americans say that their pets play a role in their housing decision. 19% of Americans say they would consider moving for their pet.* 12% percent …
The post What Pet Owners Should Know Right Now About Buying A Home appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

Housing Cost Control When your current lease ends, your landlord will probably raise your rent. Does the new rent fit your expected housing costs? If not, you will be left planning your next move with short notice. A fixed rate mortgage payment may never change, while the ever-rising rent will continue its ascent. [see Top 5 Financial Reasons To Buy Now] …
The post Rent or Buy? 4 Things to Consider appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

With Benchmark, you’re never alone. We know that getting a mortgage can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Our family is here to walk you through the process of getting you home. In the last part of this series, we gave you an overview of what it takes to buy a …
The post We Have Your Back – The Benchmark Way appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

With Benchmark, you’re never alone. We know that getting a mortgage can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Our family is here to walk you through the process of getting you home. In next part, we will give a deeper view into the heart of our approach to long term care of …
The post The Benchmark Way – Buying A Home appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

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The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced on Monday that they plan to reduce the Mortgage Insurance Premium for FHA mortgage loans. Since 2012, the Federal Housing Administration’s(FHA) Mutual Mortgage Insurance(MMI) Fund has gained $44 billion, and is now 32 basis points above the 2 percent threshold level required by Congress. This is ~$13 billion more …
The post HUD Lowers Mortgage Insurance Premiums for Most FHA Loans appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

The Federal Housing Finance Agency has announced that it is increasing the maximum conforming loan limits for mortgage loans beginning in 2017.  A mortgage loan is considered “conforming” when it is eligible to be acquired by Fannie Mae and/or Freddie Mac. (Mortgages are often sold to Fannie or Freddie so that a lender has the liquidity/money available …
The post Conforming Loan Limits Set To Increase For 2017 appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

Whether you are striking out to your first job after college, or moving your whole family for a job relocation; moving is hard. Here are a few helpful tips to successfully begin adjusting to your new surroundings. Plan Your New Commute Think ahead, and plan the routes you’ll eventually need to follow. Knowing the quickest …
The post 5 Ways to Adjust To Your New City appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

Most agree that home prices have risen, and are still on the rise. We have written about why this is not like the housing bubble that we saw nearly ten years ago. In some areas, there are not enough homes for sale to meet the demands of home buyers, and prices are driven up organically. see – Low …
The post Why Rising Home Prices Are Good News! appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

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Think Outside The Pumpkin Make your fall pumpkin stand out by decorating the OUTSIDE, rather than gutting it. Not only does this broaden the possibilities to glitter, paint, melting crayons, and more, but it could also prolong the life of your beautiful gourd.   Warm Hues + Neutrals = Autumn Environment Bring the autumn indoors by …
The post 5 Easy Tips for Fall Decorations appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

According to a press release from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau, new single family home sales in June grew by 3.5%* over May, and 25.4%** over June 2015. The seasonally adjusted annual rate was 592,000 in June, and 572,000 was the revised rate in May. The rate in June …
The post Jump in New Home Sales Highest Since 2008 appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

There has been a lot of talk about the rising value of houses in recent years. While some have expressed concern over another 2008 style housing bubble forming, we have dispelled this notion. While economics is a bit more complicated, most moves are the direct result of what you may have learned in school: supply and …
The post Is More Housing Inventory On The Horizon? appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

This post is inspired by: http://theinspiredhome.org/bath-toy-organization/ If you have a small child (or small children), you probably have “too many” bath toys, and would benefit from an easy-access storage system. Better yet, an easy-access storage system that drains automatically. Well, you’ve come to the right place. DIY Bath Toy Organizer This set up is great! Your …
The post DIY Self-Draining Bath Toy Storage appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

This post is inspired by: http://addicted2diy.com/2015/07/31/diy-dog-food-station-with-storage/ While this may be a project for big dogs, you can certainly adapt the concept to fit your own adorable fur ball! This dog food station nests the food and water bowls into the top, so there is no chance of them being knocked around, or knocked over. Are you …
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Many people may have been watching home values steadily rise over the past year, and notice that it isn’t slowing down. Another Housing Bubble? Is this the aftershocks of 2008? Has sub-prime lending made a comeback as the Federal Reserve has hesitated to raise interest rates? Are new homeowners soon to be upside down on …
The post Low Housing Inventory Driving Values Up appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

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Happy New Year! The fresh start of a new year is always nice. The ups and downs of 2015 are left behind, and a bright new canvas lies ahead. What are your hopes and dreams for this New Year? Maybe amidst all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, you haven’t had a chance to make your …
The post 15 New Years Resolutions And the Secret to Keeping Them appeared first on Benchmark. Read more

Benchmark.us Has a New Look! Today, we are excited to release our all new website here at Benchmark.us. (it was a labor of love, and is long overdue) The Design Plan for Our New Website at Benchmark.us When we set out to make a new website, we started by thinking about our clients: YOU. We wanted our new website …
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Looking to buy or sell your home? You may have noticed the vast amount of information available in the news and on the internet about real estate. When trying to make sense of it all, one can easily get overwhelmed or confused. You need an agent who can help navigate the current housing market. If you are looking to sell, you […]
The post Find A Great Real Estate Agent The Easy Way appeared first on Benchmark Mortgage. Read more

Not only has the housing market made a strong economic recovery, but also in consumer and expert confidence in home-ownership as an investment. Not Because of a Difference in Lifestyle In the New York Times, an editorial entitled, “Homeownership and Wealth Creation” explains: “Homeownership long has been central to Americans’ ability to amass wealth; even with the substantial decline in wealth […]
The post Homeowner Average Net Worth 3,600% Higher Than Renter appeared first on Benchmark Mortgage. Read more

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, […]
The post Is it a Good Idea to Rent Rather than Sell Your Home? appeared first on Benchmark Mortgage Blog. Read more

Does it make more financial sense to buy or to rent? Is the American dream of home ownership still alive? That depends. Let’s explore renting vs buying a home and the effects on family wealth. Recently, the BH&J Buy vs. Rent Index seems to conclude that renting is surpassing buying as the better choice. Is […]
The post Renting vs Buying a Home and Accumulating Wealth appeared first on Benchmark Mortgage Blog. Read more

The holiday season is behind us, time to focus on what exciting new experiences 2015 can bring! If you are planning on becoming a homeowner, or moving up to the home of your dreams in 2015, here are four great reasons to consider buying a home now, instead of waiting… Read more

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 […] Read more

If you’re planning on buying your very first home, chances are you are not taking the decision lightly, and for good reason. You should conduct as much research as possible about the process before you commit to your first home. Here are some things that every first time home buyer should know before purchasing a […] Read more

In order for you to beat the heat this summer, you will need to start preparing your home before the heat hits. There are several things that you can do to ensure that your home stays comfortable during the  summer months. Below are some tips for preparing your home: Update Your Insulation This will help […] Read more

When buying or refinancing a house, you will want to avoid common mistakes. If you can do so, you will save money and help your cause greatly. With this in mind, here are the top four common mistakes to avoid when you want to buy or refinance a house. Mistake 1: Not Understanding Rates First […] Read more

Teenagers who are in high school usually don’t understand what is ahead of them in college. Living on a college campus and  dealing with the responsibilities of a higher education can be difficult for  many students. Preparation beforehand is the key to having your kids know what to do before they head off. Live As […] Read more

Flu season can be a dangerous time of the year. We all like to think our home is safe and germ free, but germs can be lurking everywhere! Thankfully, there are ways that you can keep your home germ free during the flu season and keep your family healthy and safe! High-traffic Areas There are […] Read more

When getting a mortgage, you should do your research and know how to proceed wisely. For most inexperienced buyers, this is hard. However, if you can follow these top 10 mortgage tips for borrowers, you will land the best mortgage at the lowest APR. 1. Document Above all else, when you want to borrow a […] Read more

Advice can be helpful in many cases, but following misguided or erroneous advice, even when well-intended, can have a devastating impact. The same is true of advice on bolstering your credit score. Unfortunately, there is a variety of mistaken credit advice floating around that can actually make yours worse. Here are some common myths that […] Read more

With cold weather lifting and warm weather on the horizon, families are preparing for an exciting spring break. Instead of being surprised with bored faces on the first vacation day, plan your entire week with fun ideas that explore your neighborhood or just entertain you at home. Any budget works with simple ideas that are […] Read more

Top 10 Tips When Building A New Home A lot of people don’t want to buy a house that’s on the market. They want their house to truly be their own. In some of these cases, these people will probably look into building their own home. This is an option that some people may not […] Read more

One of the first questions potential home buyers ask is “how much cash do I need to buy a house?” Most of the time, some cash will be needed for a down payment and closing costs. The exact amount of cash will depend on several factors, including the type of loan. Conventional loans A conventional […] Read more

A recent survey by the Small Business Administration indicates that nearly half of all businesses are based in American homes. These home-based businesses for the self-employed run the gamut from accounting services to providing medical care. American professionals surveyed by Telework Research Network indicate that the number is expected to grow in the next five […] Read more

New Year’s Resolutions are hot topics this time of year with many honestly wanting to make changes that will help them to be healthier, wiser and more organized people overall. While some stick with their goals for a few weeks or possibly even a few months, a very low percentage of individuals actually keep their […] Read more

Often you will hear the term “escrow account” when applying for a mortgage. Often the criteria for whether or not an account is required is tied to the percentage of down payment made for the mortgage. What is an escrow account? Your lender will add on an amount to your monthly mortgage payment which flows […] Read more

The holidays are here, and with it can come unwanted stress. The good news is that there are simple ways that you can relieve stress from your own home. So when you start feeling overwhelmed from shopping, baking, cleaning and planning holiday parties, remember these tips to help you relieve some stress! Set a Budget […] Read more

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 […] Read more

Are you buying a new home or updating your current one? Adding a few modern, high-tech gadgets can rocket your home into a positive direction. New home gadgets can help to modernize your home, and also make your home safer and more secure. Below are a few must-have, tech-savvy devices. Vivint Home Automation The Vivint […] Read more

Unless you only have a few things in your house, moving can be overwhelming. However, if you have a plan ahead of time, your move to your new abode can be a lot less stressful than you think. To get you on the right track to a successful move, here are seven smooth moving tips […] Read more

When the time comes to make changes to a kitchen, some people may not be aware of all their options. This is especially the case when a homeowner has a small shoestring budget. Here are a few ways to remodel a kitchen on a shoestring budget: 1. Paint The Cabinets If a person wishes to […] Read more

November is considered a big holiday month because of Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving. Many people also look forward to Black Friday sales that signal the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. What you may not realize is that November is chock full of unique celebratory days. These amusing, thoughtful and wacky days deserve special attention […] Read more

Fall weather is setting in, the leaves are turning into vibrant shades of orange, red and yellow and the pumpkins are ready for picking. Carving pumpkins is a fun, time-honored family tradition celebrated across the country. It’s a great way to mark harvest time by spending quality time together. Even the youngest of family members […] Read more

Benchmark is proud to announce they’ve teamed up with The Boot Girls and Boot Campaign to sponsor the Boot’n & Shoot’n 2014 charity event that will be held at the Dallas Gun Club on Friday, April 11, 2014. Benchmark is dedicated to helping wounded warriors receive the assistance they require upon returning from overseas. Another […] Read more

A lot of people don’t exercise because they choose not to pay fancy gym memberships, but that shouldn’t be an excuse to avoid working out. The benefits of daily exercise are numerous, and believe it or not, you can get more than enough exercise right from your own home. You don’t need pricey exercise equipment […] Read more

The kids have been staying up late all summer, going to sleepovers, playing video games and having a blast. But now it’s August, and the days of getting up early for school are looming. How do you get them on a back to school schedule? Don’t worry; with a little planning, the back to school […] Read more

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 […] Read more

One of the best long-term decisions that a person can make is purchasing a new home. While the value of a home may go up and down over a short period of time, home values have always increased over the long-term and have proven to be a great way to build personal equity. To purchase […] Read more

It seems that Americans are continuing to dream of homeownership, at least according to JPMorgan Chase’s recent survey. A total of 87% of those surveyed said owning a home is something they dream about. “Owning a home is at the heart of most Americans’ dreams,” said Kevin Watters, CEO of mortgage banking at JPMorgan Chase. […] Read more

Benchmark is proud to support “Operation Home Giveaway” and our philanthropy partner The Boot Campaign. This is a letter written from Stewart Hunter, Benchmark CVO and Founding Partner: Our Mission is to give mortgage free homes away to our wounded warriors. What an amazing act of patriotism it is for you to participate in changing […] Read more

The “Big Game” was last night and these are the 5 Super Bowl commercials all your friends will be talking about today. There were some clear winners (and some losers) during the four hour broadcast. Can you believe 30 second ads cost almost $4million? If you skipped the game you can catch up right here! […] Read more

The housing slowdown may have been accompanied by an inability for potential homeowners to obtain mortgages, but the latest Fannie Mae National Housing Survey shows movement on the mortgage consumption-front. For the month of November, 51% of survey respondents said it would now be easier to obtain a mortgage. This larger vote of confidence suggests […] Read more

Mortgage bankers and Realtors are warning that it could become even harder for borrowers to qualify for a home loan early next year as the industry faces a barrage of new rules. Regulators are preparing to release the language of two rules taking effect in January to set standards for non-abusive lending and require banks […] Read more

When you want to plan a vacation with your family, there are many things to consider. While you still need take care of your day-to-day living expenses, you also need to think of ways to put a little money aside every month for your trip. This can be challenging, especially if you do not have […] Read more

Last night, Benchmark partnered with Boot Campaign and Military Warriors Support Foundation to give away one mortgage-free home to an injured veteran of the Afghanistan war during the Rock of Ages Military Appreciation Night. Over 150 military veterans, retirees, active duty, and special guests were treated to a night at the Rock of Ages musical […] Read more

Barry Habib with Mortgage Market Guide was a guest on the CNBC show Squawk Box yesterday and shared some great insight on why now is the “perfect storm” for homebuyers. He points to three big reasons all renters should jump into homeownership: 1. Rent rates are increasing in some markets. It is becoming increasingly more […] Read more

I’ve come to realize that a vast majority of us share the same goal in life. We want to commit, work, face and take responsibility for as little as possible, yet still be comfortable. In schools today, the child that makes B’s and C’s with little or no effort is met with more admiration than … Read more

Home staging is preparing your home for sale, inside and out, focusing on design and overall appearance to make it as desirable as possible to potential buyers. However, many homeowners believe that in order to sell their home, they will have to spend big bucks to get it into shape. It’s time to debunk that … Read more