About our Home Mortgage Division

Whether you already own a home or are looking to buy for the first time, Benchmark can help.

Buying a home is one of the most important decisions you make in life. So is financing that home. The key is finding the right lender; one who will explain things carefully and get you the best terms; one who is watching out for your best interests. Benchmark is that kind of lender. We offer a variety of home loans, including fixed-rate and adjustable rate mortgages. We also offer refinancing for those wishing to consolidate loans and/or lower their interest rate.

Our mortgage products include:

• Conventional & fixed rate
• Adjustable rate mortgages (ARM)
• 100% USDA financing
• Department of HUD / FHA loans
• Veterans Administration

First home purchase? Get answers to 6 most commonly asked questions by first-time buyers.

Have special needs? Check out our custom loans.

Periodically, Benchmark may have programs available for down payment assistance on your primary residence. We invite you to ask us about any programs that may fit your situation. We’re happy to help

Apply Now Contact a Mortgage Officer

Meet Our Mortgage Officers

Benchmark's mortgage lenders are ready to serve customers in Virginia and North Carolina. To reach a member of our mortgage team, e-mail us at [email protected] or give us a call toll-free at (866) 959-0181.

Christine Amos

My goal is to make sure my customer receives the mortgage experience they expect. Walking them through the process with committed follow-up and regular communication helps them to feel confident they are receiving from Benchmark the information they need to make the many decisions involved in the home-buying or building process.

Christine Amos (NMLS #1529008) is dedicated to utilizing her over 20 years of customer sales and service training to ensure the mortgage process is as seamless as possible in today's mortgage environment. Her attention to providing outstanding customer service helps ensure customer satisfaction. To reach Christine, you are invited to call (434) 392-9088 x1911 or toll-free: (866) 959-0181 x1911. E-mail her at [email protected].

 

Matt Lawson

Buying or building a house is often the largest purchase anyone makes. The loan that allows them to finance that purchase is one they will live with for a very long time. Matching a customer to the loan that best fits them requires listening and attention to detail. My mission is to get to know the customer, so I can best help their loan be a good fit for their needs and lifestyle.

As a Southside Virginia native, Matt Lawson (NMLS #1236114) has over a decade of experience assisting buyers in obtaining their dream of home ownership. Matt's background in new construction, manufactured housing, and lending makes him uniquely qualified for our real estate market. Contact Matt by calling (434) 447-5883 x1820 or use our toll-free number (866) 959-0181 x1820. You can reach Matt via e-mail: [email protected].

 

 

The Mortgage Process

You can start the mortgage process at Benchmark by:

1. Completing an online application.
2. Meeting with a mortgage officer. You can request an appointment below!

When you meet with your mortgage officer, your mortgage application is either reviewed (if you applied online) or completed. Then the officer assists you in completing the necessary documents, inspections, insurance arrangements, and other details associated with the purchase of a home. They also do whatever they can to expedite approval of the loan.

The final step in the mortgage loan process is the closing. This is a momentous occasion for most folks and the mortgage officer shares in that joy. He or she will also, however, make sure that you understand all of the details of your purchase and mortgage loan. Above all, Benchmark wants you to be a satisfied, well-informed homeowner!

Apply Now Contact a Mortgage Officer

Ready to talk with Matt or Christine? Make an appointment now! They will meet with you at the Benchmark branch nearest you. If that is not possible, alternate arrangements can be made.

 

Other Real Estate Loans

Benchmark also offers a variety of other real estate loans including:

• Home construction loans
• Home improvement loans
• Home equity - fixed rate loans or lines of credit
• Loans for vacation homes or rental properties
• Loans for commercial property
• Land purchase loans
• Agricultural loans

Home Construction Loans

If you're thinking about building a new home, you're looking at the right bank for financing! Benchmark has a good working relationship with a number of quality area builders.

Home Equity Line of Credit

When you own a home, it means you may have a resource for extra cash to do those things in life that are important to you. You can also use it to consolidate your finances. We offer both fixed rate, fixed payment home equity loans and adjustable rate lines of credit. The application process is easy and closing costs are usually low. Best of all, the interest you pay may be tax-deductible.

Home Improvement Loans

Owning a home means there's always something to improve or repair. When it's something major, you may need to borrow to get it done. Benchmark offers competitively priced loans for these improvements. A loan officer can give you the details, explain our loan process, and describe your options.

Mortgages for Second Homes or Rentals

Part of our market area is lake country so we are used to structuring loans for vacation homes. We also have many customers who enjoy owning rental properties. We can help with either of these scenarios.

Land Purchase Loans

If you are buying a lot or acreage for farming, recreation purposes, future use or any other purpose other than to build a home, you have probably discovered that it is a bit more difficult to find willing lenders. The good news is that Benchmark can probably finance it for you. A loan officer can give you the details, explain our loan process, and describe your options.

Agricultural Loans

If you are a farmer or operate an agri-business, Benchmark can help in a number of ways. Any one of our business bankers can explain how!

Ask a Question Contact a Loan Officer

The Loan Process: What to Expect

At Benchmark, we take the time to make sure you are getting the right loan to match your needs. If you are buying or building a home, you can now apply online or you can contact a mortgage officer. For home equity products and land purchases, you should contact a loan officer. To help get the process started, use our contact form and indicate that you are looking for a new loan. After it is submitted, we will contact you and arrange for you to meet a loan officer at a branch near you. The loan officer will answer all your questions, make sure you understand how your loan will work, and get you an answer as quickly as possible. Click here to read our 10 Reasons to Choose Benchmark for your next loan.

Ready to talk with a mortgage or loan officer? Make an appointment now! They will meet with you at the Benchmark branch nearest you.