Benchmark Happenings

By: Jonathan Tipton Steve Reed & Christine Reed
  • Summary

  • Brought to you by, Jonathan Tipton & Steve Reed of Benchmark Home Loans, Benchmark Happenings is a podcast that is a biweekly discussion about living in and moving to Northeast Tennessee along with the local real estate market. Join your host Christine Reed as she interviews Jonathan & Steve, local business owners, sought-after industry experts, Veterans, Realtors, Benchmark clients, and more.

    Benchmark Happenings focuses on discussing all things related to mortgages and Northeast Tennessee. Placing the spotlight on all the reasons you would want to live in and move to Northeast Tennessee, Benchmark Happenings highlights upcoming events, local businesses, things to do, and other aspects related to Northeast Tennessee. We will also be answering mortgage questions from buyers, sellers, and real estate agents as well as discussing everything going on in our local real estate market.

    To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.tiptonreedteam.com.

    Benchmark Home Loans | NMLS # 2143

    4138 Bristol Highway

    Johnson City, TN 37601

    Jonathan Tipton

    Senior Mortgage Planner

    NMLS # 1188088

    jonathan.tipton@benchmark.us

    Steve Reed

    Branch Manager

    NMLS # 173024

    steve.reed@benchmark.us

    © 2024 The Tipton Reed Mortgage Team - Benchmark Home Loans
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Episodes
  • Navigating Realtor Commissions: Jonathan Tipton and Steve Reed discuss the NAR Settlement
    Sep 4 2024

    Are seller-paid commissions affecting your closing costs? Not at all! Tune in to Benchmark Happenings for an eye-opening conversation with Jonathan Tipton and Steve Reed from Benchmark Home Loans. They unravel the complexities of the National Association of Realtors Settlement and clarify its impact on real estate transactions. Discover the recent changes in VA loan regulations that now allow buyers to pay commissions, and why it's crucial to negotiate these commissions into the purchase price rather than adding them to the loan amount. You'll gain invaluable insights on how to ensure smooth transactions and proper compensation for agents by working closely with loan officers.

    We also dive deep into the importance of a buyer's representation agreement for loan processing and approval, especially for VA loans, with a look toward its future application to other loan types. Learn why early communication between agents, lenders, and buyers is pivotal to preventing discrepancies and avoiding delays. With a special focus on customer service, Jonathan and Steve advocate for a concierge approach—ensuring constant communication and availability to create a seamless experience for all involved. Don't miss out on these essential tips for ensuring accurate loan estimates and achieving a hassle-free closing process.

    To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.

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    16 mins
  • Harnessing the Future: Austin Ramsey's Insights on AI Integration and Data Privacy in Today's Digital Landscape
    Aug 21 2024
    Prepare to have your perspective on artificial intelligence turned upside down by Austin Ramsey, the trailblazing entrepreneur who challenges us all to "crush the box." We uncover how AI is already shaping our daily lives, from the unseen algorithms on social media to the geospatial mapping that guides our commute. Austin also gives us a sneak peek into the upcoming iOS 18 update, which heralds a new wave of AI integration in Apple devices. The discussion underscores the pressing need for safeguarding personal data in this rapidly evolving landscape.

    Our conversation doesn’t stop at awareness; it dives into actionable insights. We tackle the critical issue of data privacy, especially in the context of popular platforms like ChatGPT and Facebook. Learn how you can take control of your personal information by fine-tuning your privacy settings and understand the trade-offs between convenience and security. The episode provides practical tips for protecting your digital footprint while highlighting how AI services, like Google Maps and Waze, balance user experience with data utilization.

    As we navigate the ethical maze of AI, we scrutinize its impact on sectors like educational publishing. With McGraw using AI tools like ChatGPT to craft textbooks, we raise essential questions about the accuracy and control of AI-generated content. Drawing parallels to the early days of the internet, we advocate for consumer education and legislative action to ensure responsible AI development. To end on a high note, we celebrate the positive possibilities of AI, exemplified by the creation of a new Randy Travis song, showcasing the harmonious blend of technology and creativity.

    To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.

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    35 mins
  • Reclaiming Life Through Fitness: Aaron Grunke's Journey from Cancer Survivor to Founder of Survivor Fitness
    Aug 7 2024
    Ever wondered how fitness could be the key to reclaiming life after a cancer diagnosis? Meet Aaron Grunke, the founder of Survivor Fitness, who transformed his harrowing battle with cancer into a beacon of hope for other survivors. Aaron shares the raw and emotional journey from being a 21-year-old college student facing the stark realities of cancer treatment to enduring multiple surgeries and chemotherapy. He doesn’t hold back on the profound challenges, from grappling with depression and anxiety to the crucial moment he decided to pave a new path for recovery through fitness. Discover how Aaron's personal struggles sparked the creation of Survivor Fitness, a lifeline offering personalized fitness programs to rebuild strength and confidence for cancer survivors.

    Join us as we follow Aaron and his wife on their inspiring mission to empower survivors across Tennessee. Initially starting with one hesitant participant, their supportive fitness program blossomed into a 501c3 organization, now available at 19 locations, providing 24 personal training sessions over 12-14 weeks, completely free of charge. Learn how you can make a difference by supporting this transformative foundation through donations, participating in events like the Soiree and Rock the Row, or simply spreading the word. Aaron’s heartfelt words of encouragement remind us of the power of community and support, emphasizing the significant, positive impact their programs have on mental and physical health. Don’t miss Aaron’s incredible story and the chance to be part of this life-changing initiative—visit survivorfitness.org for more information and upcoming events.

    To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.

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    31 mins

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