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Commonly Asked Questions

Have a question about the homebuying or refinancing process? Our team compiled a list of common questions that we've received over the years. Don't see a question on your mind listed below? Contact our team, we'd be happy to help.

 

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The pre-approval process is much more complete than pre-qualification. For pre-qualification, the loan officer asks you a few questions and provides you with a pre-qual letter. Pre-approval includes all the steps of a full approval, except for the appraisal and title search. Pre-approval can put you in a better negotiating position, much like a cash buyer.
Usually people refinance to save money, either by obtaining a lower interest rate or by reducing the term of the loan. Refinancing is also a way to convert an adjustable loan to a fixed loan or to consolidate debts. The decision to refinance can be difficult, since there are several reasons to refinance. However, if you are looking to save money, try this calculation: Calculate the total cost of the refinance Calculate the monthly savings Divide the total cost of the refinance (#1) by the monthly savings (#2). This is the "break even" time. If you own the house longer than this, you will save money by refinancing. Since refinancing is a complex topic, consult a mortgage professional.
A rate lock is a contractual agreement between the lender and buyer. There are four components to a rate lock: loan program, interest rate, points, and the length of the lock.
A mortgage broker counsels you on the loans available from different wholesalers, takes your application, and usually processes the loan which involves putting together the complete file of information about your transaction including the credit report, appraisal, verification of your employment and assets, and so on. When the file is complete, but sometimes sooner, the lender "underwrites" the loan, which means deciding whether or not you are an acceptable risk.
Not necessarily. In fact, if you are a reasonably astute shopper, you will probably do better dealing with a mortgage broker. Mortgage brokers do not add any net cost to the lending process, because they perform functions that would otherwise have to be done by employees of the lender. Furthermore, because mortgage brokers deal with multiple lenders -- in a typical case, 25 to 30, sometimes more -- they can shop for the best terms available on any given day. In addition, they can find the lenders who specialize in various market niches that many other lenders avoid, such as loans to applicants with poor credit ratings, loans to borrowers who do not intend to occupy the property, loans with minimal or no down payment, and so on.
Both income and assets are disclosed and verified, and income is used in determining the applicant's ability to repay the mortgage. Formal verification requires the borrower's employer to verify employment and the borrower's bank to verify deposits. Alternative documentation, designed to save time, accepts copies of the borrower's original bank statements, W-2s and paycheck stubs.
Stated income/verified assets: Income is disclosed and the source of the income is verified, but the amount is not verified. Assets are verified, and must meet an adequacy standard such as, for example, 6 months of stated income and 2 months of expected monthly housing expense. Stated income/stated assets: Both income and assets are disclosed but not verified. However, the source of the borrower's income is verified. No ratio: Income is disclosed and verified but not used in qualifying the borrower. The standard rule that the borrower's housing expense cannot exceed some specified percent of income, is ignored. Assets are disclosed and verified. No income: Income is not disclosed, but assets are disclosed and verified, and must meet an adequacy standard. Stated Assets or No asset verification: Assets are disclosed but not verified, income is disclosed, verified and used to qualify the applicant. No asset: Assets are not disclosed, but income is disclosed, verified and used to qualify the applicant. No income/no assets: Neither income nor assets are disclosed.
It is the list of settlement charges that the lender is obliged to provide the borrower within three business days of receiving the loan application.
A loan eligible for purchase by the two major Federal agencies that buy mortgages, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
A mortgage larger than the maximum eligible for conforming purchase by the two Federal agencies, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
It is an upfront cash payment required by the lender as part of the charge for the loan, expressed as a percent of the loan amount; e.g., "2 points" means a charge equal to 2% of the loan balance.
This is the process of determining whether a customer has enough cash and sufficient income to meet the qualification requirements set by the lender on a requested loan. A pre-qualification is subject to verification of the information provided by the applicant. A pre-qualification is short of approval because it does not take account of the credit history of the borrower.

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Your Experience is Our Priority


Your local lending partner, our team strives to exceed your expectations before, during and after the mortgage process.

Thomas was exceptional to work with......always friendly and easy going but always with pertinent answers....we ended up pulling a contract on one house and then finding another and he handled that transition with integrity and kindness.....we would highly recomment his services.....thank you so much....carol ann and michael

Carol Ann Walter

Steven and Benchmark Mortgage was great and a thrill to work with and wouldn't rank anyone above them.

Jonathan R.

Thomas St. John was a pleasure to work with... He understood my needs and timing and worked hard to make sure I had everything
needed so that we could go to closing much faster than I could have imagined. His follow through with details before, during, and after
the process made it a better experience. Should I ever need another loan for refinance or purchase, I will stop and shop Benchmark
first... Thanks!!!

Brian K.

Nothing! Steven was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. He was ALWAYS accessible, professional, and understanding. He will be
my first and only recommendation to Family, Friends, and Colleagues!

Barry N.

Thomas St. John is amazing! He explained everything so well and was able to work with my hectic work schedule to
get everything finished. He is very personable and makes you feel like you're more than just a customer. He even
attended my closing.

J. Tharp

Benchmark was a fantastic company to deal with. They were always there whenever I had questions and even took
the time to meet with us when we were so confused. They are professional and very knowledgeable. They never
made me feel like I had a stupid question. They are very reliable and are great at explaining things and processes.

Elizabeth W.

I was very pleased working with Steven D'Antonio and the Benchmark Mortgage team. They offered a high level of
customer service and were very communicative throughout the process. They have this done to an art and are able
to troubleshoot and provide insight on what to expect during the home buying process. I would recommend them to
anyone!

Jonathan R.

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