Benchmark Mortgage

11/18/06

One word: Integrity

by antfisher at Citysearch

It seems these days that everyone is out to make a buck, and profit from your misfortunes.

I expected this to be the case when, due to medical problems, I fell behind on a few bills, and decided to refinance to get caught up. I figured my credit was probably going down, and I would end up with a bad loan. After poking around on the net, I decided to contact a "Texas" lender, and they wanted me to pay $500 bucks for a commitment fee, but would not guarantee that I was approved. No way. The guy lied to me about that. I wasted time. I called the company I should have in the first place, Benchmark. Chris was as patient as a saint, turning a negative situation into one that taught me a great deal about how credit works, and what I can do to improve my situation now. I paid off my car, saved $250 bucks a month, and now can deduct the interest I was paying for my car on my taxes. Chris taught me that, and more. This guy didn't ask me for any $500 fee up front, and gave me quite a bit of helpful information with any money hitting his pocket at all. Most importantly, Chris was upfront and honest about my situation, the cause and effect, and didn't try and throw a bunch of big words at me, or fast talk me.

I'll be back Chris in a year or so, once my scores come up, to get a much lower interest rate.

Just wanted you all to know that there are still some good people out here.

• Pros: Understanding, patient, fast, works Saturdays
• Cons: None

10/21/06

They delivered

by epag at Citysearch

We had taken out a loan a little more than two years ago to pay off debts. We didn't realize at the time that we were in an adjustable rate loan, until recently when our monthy payment went up.

Because of the bad experience we had with that other lender, we decided to look for someone else to help us refinance.

I saw an ad for Benchmark Mortgage, and decided to give them a call. Chris worked fast, and was very professional. He explained everything in detail, and this made my wife and I feel very comfortable.

We now have a lower fixed rate loan, and no more surprises.

I will recommend Chris and Benchmark to my friends and family.

• Pros: Open on Saturdays, good communication
• Cons: none

10/10/06

They EARNED my trust

by danaenq at Citysearch

As a recently divorced single mom, I needed to obtain a mortgage in my name alone, and was hoping to get a lower rate as well. Due to the divorce, and my ex's credit problems, I thought it would be impossible, especially after the credit union said no.

I saw an ad that Benchmark had run, and decided to call. I spoke with Chris; he was so nice, and so patient. He immediately made me feel comfortable with the process, and gave me back some hope. When he said he would call me back in the afternoon, to tell me what I qualified for, I was expecting a big letdown, as in no call at all. I was wrong. He called back an hour later with three different loan options, and explained them all. I never knew that there were more than even one kind of house loan. Chris worked really hard to make sure I understood what I was getting into, and together we put together a loan and plan for the future. I now have the home entirely in MY NAME, and a lower payment to match. I am grateful for his help.

I hope you enjoy the cookies... :-)

• Pros: Patience, understanding, caring approach
• Cons: They don't offer a matchmaking service :-( J/K