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How is a Benchmark Branch different from a traditional retail branch?
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Our branch structure is very much like traditional retail mortgage banking but with an entrepreneurial structure. Our Benchmark branches operate independently while partnering with a large, reputable parent company having the resources to act as the branch's safety net.
Two key differences between the two structures are in the compensation plan and in the available support opportunities.
The biggest stumbling block in any branch structure is compensation. A traditional branch manager is generally paid a salary and a small incentive tied to production of that branch. Our Benchmark Branch Managers are not confined to a base salary. They reap the upside of profits generated their hard-earned efforts. Compensation is both salaried and W-2'd (a small portion of each loan) as well as commissioned on a 1099 basis. Beyond compensation, our branches enjoy expanded product offerings, expanded geographic markets, and expanded support services. You receive all of this while still maintaining an independent operation within the safety net of our large parent company, Benchmark Mortgage.
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| Q. |
Why become a Benchmark Branch Partner?
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Have you ever dreamed of owning your own business, of controlling your own career destiny, of acquiring wealth, or of having financial freedom? Those dreams can turn in to reality when you become your own boss as a valued Benchmark Branch Manager. This is a very gratifying and financially rewarding program for anyone with the spirit and attitude of an entrepreneur. You run your branch as an "owner." Once you're in the program, YOU make the day-to-day business decisions. YOU choose your investors, and YOU name the prices. You're in control. We're here to help you get your job done.
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| Q. |
What qualifications do I need?
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There are no "standard qualifications" for being successful as a Branch Manager. But, there are some traits that have proven to be essential. Experience is one of them. Managers with at least two years of experience in the lending industry . . . preferably five . . . seem to have the best success at juggling the many responsibilities of a branch. You must be able to train and motivate employees, develop relationships with lenders, realtors and other referral sources, and solve any problems that arise in the office on a day-to-day basis. A good professional reputation and good credit standing are invaluable. Other traits that go a long way towards success are ambition and competitiveness. Combine that with impeccable integrity and a passion to excel in your work and you have a winning combination.
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| Q. |
What can Benchmark Mortgage offer me?
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We offer you the tools to successfully operate your own branch so you can secure financial freedom for yourself and your family. We form a powerful alliance with our managers and make it our top priority to see that they maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace. As a full service mortgage banker / broker, Benchmark Mortgage can offer services and products that smaller mortgage brokers cannot acquire using their own resources. These include:
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Unsurpassed branch support: When you need assistance or have a problem or a question, we're right there with support, solutions and answers. Please refer to our "Internal Contact List" on LOExchange to determine exactly to whom you direct your queries. |
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Broad product line: Our ever-growing list of preferred lenders and investors (over 200 at present) allows you a wide mix of product offerings in multi-state geographic markets. We offer you in-house capabilities with FHA/VA loans without struggling with governmental red tape and expensive licensing procedures. We have it all . . . conventional, jumbo, construction, debt consolidation, 100%, No Down Payment and subprime loans. |
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Better pricing incentives: Being part of a large organization like Benchmark allows you to receive the pricing benefits . . and speed . . featured by volume mortgage banking institutions. |
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Marketing: Certainly you will need to continue marketing. However, with your administrative duties reduced, you'll have the time to develop and increase your customer base and referral sources. Benchmark will also provide frequent advertising and lead generation opportunities for you to participate in. We also have a number of marketing helps and a very senior and experienced marketing executive on staff to assist you. |
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Technology platform: We feel it is one of the finest in the mortgage industry. We offer you a turn-key Web-based system that you can access 24/7 from anywhere on earth with an Internet connection. To get more of the details on our cutting edge software applications, please refer to the page, "Advantages of Benchmark" under the "Why Choose Benchmark" button. |
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Accounting services: Benchmark employs a full-service experienced mortgage accounting department . . . managed by a CPA and 30-year professional. We understand all the needs and nuances of a mortgage office and take care of everything from accounts payable to payroll and all tax reporting and other accounting functions that may currently take away time from your profit-generating origination activities. |
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Compliance: Benchmark Mortgage has a very experienced Compliance Officer and a staff of well-trained mortgage compliance experts to guide the company through the complex and constantly changing laws effecting our industry. Together with our legal counsel, our compliance department converts the details of the latest legislation into basic plain language guidelines for our employees to use to stay compliant . |
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Streamlined Licensing: Our licensing department handles all license applications for branches. You simply request the states you want licensing in and we do the rest. |
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HR & Benefits: Benchmark possesses an experienced Human Resources Director that administers the full spectrum of employee benefits offered by the company. Branch Managers defer all HR questions and concerns our HR Department so they can spend more of their time conducting profit-generating origination activities.
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| Q. |
Where is the company licensed?
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Headquartered on the 8th floor of the Sun Microsystems building on the Dallas Parkway, we are licensed in over 70% of America and advancing rapidly. Please click on our Licensed States button on the left of the Home Page for a map. We ancitipate licensure in all jurisdictions in mid-2006. Because we handle all the licensing, you don't have to worry about applications and net-worth requirements. This freedom from state-by-state licensing allows you to expand your market nationally giving you the opportunity to tremendously increase your income potential. |
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Is education and/or training offered?
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Yes. We strongly believe that education and training is vital for any business to succeed. We recently delivered a full-day FHA lending seminar at the Stonebriar Country Club in Frisco, Texas near our corporate offices. We are scheduling additional trainings on a number of topics and plan to make them available on CD's for distribution to our branch partners.
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How often do I get paid?
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We have a very aggressive compensation program. Once the branch income exceeds the branch expenses, you will receive the profit. Payroll is paid on the 15th and 30th of each month. It must be submitted no later than the 5th business day before the pay date. Your commission can be electronically deposited to your bank account. You never have to wait to receive the money you earn.
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What is Benchmark Mortgage's corporate philosophy?
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Our company is founded on customer centricity and service that exceeds the expectations of our valued Branch Managers and their clients. We maintain an excellent reputation for closing loans in a timely and professional manner. We are growing rapidly and desire to become one of the premier mortgage companies in America. By joining the Benchmark Mortgage team, you will be aligning yourself with a mortgage industry leader we believe will have a positive affect on your future.
We welcome your further questions. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any of your questions or concerns.
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