How A Former California Agent Discovered Turnkey Manufactured Living And Closed Early With Benchmark
November 20, 2025 • 22 mins
A cross‑country move doesn’t have to be chaotic. Pat, a seasoned California real estate pro, shares how she found her pace, her people, and her perfect view in Northeast Tennessee—plus the surprising role a modern manufactured home played in making it all click. From that first “this is it” walkthrough to an early close, we break down what actually matters when you pair the right property with the right lending partner.
We dig into the evolution of manufactured homes under HUD standards, why today’s builds can outperform expectations on quality and efficiency, and how a turnkey Land to Homes approach simplifies everything from land selection to layout. Pat explains the upgrades she chose—a garage and screened patio—to show how move‑in ready can still feel personal. On the lending side, Steve’s step‑by‑step guidance, quick responses, and product range kept the process clear and fast, even while Pat was in transit, leading to a smooth close in roughly 27 days.
Beyond the transaction, this story is about place and belonging. The Tri‑Cities region—Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol—offers four seasons, mountain views, and what Pat calls Chillville: friendly neighbors, lighter traffic, and a calmer rhythm. We also highlight local service opportunities, including support for children through organizations like Isaiah House, for anyone eager to put down roots through meaningful community work.
Thinking about relocating, right‑sizing, or rethinking affordability? Press play to learn how a HUD‑level manufactured home, a responsive lender, and a turnkey process can transform your search. If the conversation resonates, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.
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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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
SPEAKER_00 (00:01):
This is Benchmark Happening.
Brought to you by Jonathan andSteve from Benchmark Home Loans.
Northeast Tennessee.
Johnson City, Kingsport,Bristol, the Tri-City, one of
the most beautiful places in thecountry to live.
Tons of great things to do andawesome local businesses.
(00:22):
And on this show, you'll findout why people are dying to move
to Northeast Tennessee.
And on the way, we'll havediscussions about mortgages.
And we'll interview people inthe real estate industry.
It's what we do.
This is Benchmark Happenings,brought to you by Benchmark Home
Loans.
And now your host, ChristineReed.
SPEAKER_02 (00:46):
Welcome back, everybody, to another episode of
Benchmark Happenings.
And the star of our show todayis Miss Pat Parsons.
Welcome, Pat.
SPEAKER_01 (00:57):
Thank you, Christine.
I'm very happy to be here.
SPEAKER_02 (01:00):
Oh, well, we are happy that you agreed to come
today on a short notice.
And so we've done a fewpodcasts, Pat.
You know, Steve and Jonathan,they have started a new business
venture, and it's called Land toHomes.
And it's uh a business around uhproviding affordable homes for
(01:22):
our community and for thebeautiful East Tennessee area
that we all know and love.
And so uh, Pat, we talk aboutpeople that move to East
Tennessee because they love EastTennessee.
It's I call it free Tennessee,where we are conservative and we
(01:43):
love the Constitution, we loveour guns, and uh we love being
free.
So we talk about how people fromCalifornia, New York, Florida,
from all over the country arejust dying to move to East
Tennessee.
And so, Pat, you are one ofthose young ladies that have
(02:03):
moved from the state ofCalifornia.
So tell us a little bit aboutthat and where you lived and
what brought you here to EastTennessee.
SPEAKER_01 (02:15):
Wow, I don't know if we have that much time, but
actually, California is verybeautiful.
Unfortunately, things havechanged in California that no
longer suited my lifestyle.
And I visited um the Tri-Citiesarea about two years ago.
Okay.
Absolutely fell in love with theslower pace.
(02:39):
I call it Chillville here.
SPEAKER_02 (02:41):
It is Chillville.
SPEAKER_01 (02:43):
Everyone is kicked back, you're not doing mock 10
with your hair on fire.
It's just a lovely, beautiful,friendly community.
And I wanted to be part of it.
So for two years, I made mypreparations, put my house on
(03:03):
the market, sold fast.
I knew that was a good sign, andI hopped on a cross country
train and came to Tennessee andjust absolutely love it here.
SPEAKER_02 (03:18):
Well, so Pat, and so you came from California, and uh
we we know the there's a lot ofphenomenal, wonderful people
still that live out there, andthat and it is a beautiful
state.
We love it.
We've been to all parts ofCalifornia, Steve and I, and
it's just that there's somethings there now that just no
longer, like you said, work withyour lifestyle of wanting to be
(03:39):
free and conservative, and a lotof the political um influences
there just don't align with uhbiblical worldview or
conservative values.
And so, how did you meet uhSteve and Jonathan?
And so what we want to do istell those who are listening
(04:00):
today about your experience withland to homes, because I really
believe that Steve and Jonathanare doing a good work because
they are providing beautifulturnkey homes for individuals
here in our area, and it'sreally meeting uh a need uh for
East Tennessee.
So, how did you two meet?
SPEAKER_01 (04:22):
Interesting story.
I was looking at homes while Iwas still in California, and I
found one that was of interestand called the office and ended
up meeting the agent that Iused.
And my agent was kind enough torefer me to benchmark to Steve.
(04:44):
Oh, who was your agent?
Sam Taylor.
SPEAKER_02 (04:47):
Oh, Sam, we love Sam Taylor.
Yes, expert properties, yes.
SPEAKER_01 (04:53):
Absolutely.
He was great, and he said, let'sget you over there, we'll have
you talk to Steve, we'll get youpre-qualified, and then we'll go
from there.
Well, my experience meetingSteve was fabulous.
It's like, what a great, warm,welcoming person.
(05:14):
And in talking to him andfilling out my application, he
asked me what I was looking for,price range I wanted to be in,
and then proceeded to tell meabout his uh ventures with
Jonathan and purchasing land andputting um manufactured homes on
(05:36):
there that were very affordable.
Well, as luck would have it, Iwas looking at manufactured
homes two years ago and was justamazed how far they'd come and
how beautiful they were, havingeverything new, everything you
needed, great floor plans.
So uh Steve caught my interestum right away and took me to
(06:00):
look at the one that wasavailable.
Oh my goodness, I I walked inthe door and it was like this is
it.
The views, the home, I justreally immediately knew it was
for me.
And the price was right.
There were a few additions Ithought I could make to
(06:22):
accommodate my needs, and didn'tsee any problem with doing those
things.
So we ventured back here to theoffice, finished the
application, and I said, let'swrite a deal.
And we went from there.
SPEAKER_02 (06:38):
And you know, I want to go back to something you
said, Pat, because there is astigma uh with manufactured
homes.
And I don't think people realizethat um the regulations that
they are under today, they'reunder the same guidelines as
housing urban development, andthey are very stringent
(06:58):
guidelines, and the quality ofthese homes is bar none, and and
I would say that the quality isprobably better than most homes
that are built.
SPEAKER_01 (07:11):
I was in that industry for 34 years, and what
you're saying is very true.
The uh quality of our homes incomparison to years ago is not
the same, and I think we allknow that because of costs.
Sure, absolutely.
So when I saw everything thatyou could get in a manufactured
(07:36):
home, I was just absolutelyblown away.
It was like this is perfect, youknow.
I don't need to look anyfurther.
Um, if I were to have bought aregular home, I probably would
have had to do a lot of upgradesto it that I didn't have to do.
SPEAKER_02 (07:57):
Right.
SPEAKER_01 (07:57):
The projects I've taken on are just extra things
like a garage and a finished umscreened patio and to take
advantage of that beautiful viewthat you have.
And I do.
The view is to die for, and it'sone of the reasons I just think
(08:18):
Tennessee is so drop dead,beautiful.
SPEAKER_02 (08:23):
Thank you.
It it truly is having all fourseasons and and I love the fact
that you you you love you'revery happy and you love the
quality of your home and and theindustry that you were in.
What industry were you in, Pat,for 30 years?
SPEAKER_01 (08:40):
I was in real estate.
Um probably about the last 15years I did new construction.
So I can say honestly, I knowhow these homes are built.
unknown (08:52):
Okay.
SPEAKER_02 (08:53):
And and some of them are built very quickly, um and
they go up.
I know that D.R.
Horton is probably one of thelargest builders in the United
States, and um their homes andand and you know what, and and
um but I know we know of peoplewho have had a lot of issues
with those homes, so sure.
(09:14):
Uh which you can have an issuewith anything basically, but um,
but I love the fact that youlove your your home and uh it's
perfect for you.
And um, so what other thingsabout that your experience with
Steve that you would like toshare, just maybe in the maybe
the just the loan process,because I think sometimes that's
(09:35):
that's sort of a a greatundertaking this day in time
with what's required to get ahome loan.
SPEAKER_01 (09:42):
It absolutely is.
Um, there's a lot of componentsthat go into um getting
qualified for a loan thatpeople, if they're not educated,
they don't realize.
And I think the um one of thegreat things with Steve is he
explains everything to you inEnglish terms that you can
(10:06):
understand, right?
And um I was amazed how easy hemade it for me.
I mean, I've done this for a lotof years and the ease of this
was just incredible.
I thought, really?
I'm qualifying for a loan.
Just because, you know, it inthe past, I think with a lot of
(10:31):
people, they find it very umoverwhelming, scary.
They're not sure what to expectalong the way.
Of course, being in the field Iwas in, I knew, but I was still
in disbelief how easy benchmarkmade it to put my loan through.
I thought 30 days, that's great,you know.
(10:53):
Right.
We closed it early because theyhad everything done.
They made everything so easy forme.
And being that I was in transithere staying with a friend, I
didn't know if I had all mypaperwork with me because my
things from moving hadn'tarrived yet, and yet they were
(11:14):
able to accommodate me and getmy loan closed ahead of
schedule.
SPEAKER_02 (11:19):
Wow.
So uh 30 days was what you werethinking.
So how soon did your loan close,Pat?
SPEAKER_01 (11:26):
Probably about 27, 26, 27 days.
And that's great.
But it could have closed sooner,I believe.
We just were riding it out, youknow.
Yeah.
SPEAKER_02 (11:37):
Uh and was Steve accessible through this process,
Pat?
SPEAKER_01 (11:42):
Steve is the most accessible person I know.
If you text him and you don'thear back within five minutes,
you know that he's probablymeeting with other folks trying
to qualify or in some type of ameeting.
He's very, very prompt.
If he doesn't have the answer,he gets back to you.
(12:04):
And I think communication is abig thing for buyers, trying to
find out answers to theirquestions.
You just feel like somebodyreally cares and takes an
interest and takes the time torespond to you, whether by phone
or text or email.
SPEAKER_02 (12:23):
That's great.
And and I know that Steve, youknow, he's been doing this for
40 years.
And so there's a lot ofdifferent products out there in
the lending industry.
And a lot of people, you know,say at a bank or a credit union,
they only know one thing.
They know conventional, andthat's it.
But Steve is is, you know, whathe likes to do is be well versed
(12:45):
on what's available.
And like you said, to sit downwith our clients, and we really
like to refer to you guys as ourfamily, as our family, because
we're helping families get intohomes, whether it be a home
that's built or a land to homesuh manufactured home as well.
(13:05):
Um, I think that's a gamechanger in today's world where
people are just not accessibleany longer.
SPEAKER_01 (13:15):
I have to agree with you because one of the things
that I took pride in for yearsis if I had a question from my
customers to get back to them asquickly as possible, um, because
that's how I like to be treated.
So if that's how I like it, Ifigure they do too.
(13:35):
And their time's equally asvaluable as mine.
So I was very appreciative athow well I was treated, the
response that I got, how quick Igot it.
So it really was an exceptionalexperience for me, even having
been in the business.
SPEAKER_02 (13:55):
Thank you.
And that means a lot because youdo have the experience and
you've been on the real estateside.
So you've worked with a lot oflenders in the past and other
realtors in the housing market.
So that means a lot coming fromuh from you, Pat, and we really
appreciate that.
And back to land to home.
So, you know, Steve and Jonathanlike to say it's a turnkey
(14:18):
project.
Um, and I think they're finishedout better than most.
Uh, would you agree with that,with some of the things that
they do provide that's extra?
SPEAKER_01 (14:31):
I do agree.
I feel like all lenders are notcreated equal, okay?
And the fact that they changehats as uh seller of the land to
home and then handling thelending end of it, they just are
so knowledgeable, you feel likeyou're being protected.
(14:54):
And since I was buying this homeby myself, you like to know that
there's the people you'reworking with are there by your
side.
Clear down until the closingday.
They were there for me.
And after, if I had questionsafter the close, I could always
(15:15):
get a hold of Steve.
So I'm very grateful for thatthat um I landed here at
Benchmark.
SPEAKER_02 (15:24):
And so that took really took a lot of courage,
Pat, what you did.
I mean, picking up moving, youknow, from one end of the
country by yourself.
And so when you knew, when youwere visiting here in East
Tennessee, what what particularthings drew you to this amazing
(15:49):
area?
SPEAKER_01 (15:50):
Well, I have to go back in time.
My brother and his wife lived inJohnson City and then purchased
a home back in the 90s inKingsport.
And because I had lived in manyof the states across the country
and knew I did not want toretire and any of those.
(16:11):
I'd been there, done that.
He suggested I check out thisarea.
And so I did.
And I looked no further after Icame here.
I just felt it was my calling.
Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm.
SPEAKER_02 (16:24):
Now, does your brother and his wife, do they
still live in Kingsport?
SPEAKER_01 (16:28):
No, they don't, but they are thinking of relocating
since I'm here now.
They uh and my sister as well.
She's in Reno, she wants toultimately move here, and my
brother and his wife are up onthe St.
Lawrence River across fromCanada, which it's a bitter cold
up there, and they have longwinters, and they like the
(16:51):
winters here much better.
SPEAKER_02 (16:52):
Absolutely.
I could not imagine being inthose areas for the rent.
We we actually have very mildwinters here in East Tennessee.
Rarely do we get we get somesnow.
Temperatures, you know, are notactually that bad.
And of course, you know, whoknows what this winter's going
to hold.
But for the last several years,they have been fairly mild and
(17:16):
easy to navigate.
And I know that, you know, Idon't think you need to worry
too much about driving in iceand snow living here.
SPEAKER_01 (17:24):
Good.
I'm a fair weather driver, sothat sounded really good to me
as well.
SPEAKER_02 (17:31):
Absolutely.
So, what future plans do youhave here, Pat?
Uh setting, you know, puttingdown routes in East Tennessee,
and I know you have a friend umthat lives here already.
And so what are some futureplans for Pat?
SPEAKER_01 (17:50):
Well, after I finish getting settled in and my little
projects there at uh the newhome, I would like to get
involved in the community so Ican meet more people and um
possibly do volunteer work.
Um, and just I've gotten to knowmy neighbors already.
(18:11):
Um, and now I look forward tomeeting and belonging to more um
groups that are here in theTri-City area.
SPEAKER_02 (18:22):
Okay.
Well, there is plenty of that tobelong to for sure.
Um, and I know we kind of we'vetalked, um, you know, kind of
have the same uh politicalbeliefs as conservative, good
Republicans here, and I knowthere's a lot of great um
avenues for that, and then wehave so many opportunities to
(18:44):
volunteer because there is a uha lot of need here in East
Tennessee.
And uh some of the things I'vegot a lady coming in in a couple
of weeks, Rhonda Paulson, thatstarted Isaiah House, and that's
for uh children who have beenremoved from the home in an
abusive situation, and theyinstead of sitting in a uh
(19:06):
sheriff's office or um the DHSoffice, they can actually take
them to a house, the IsaiahHouse, where they have a warm,
comfortable, uh safe home tostay until the DHS can actually
place them in foster care.
So uh she's done a great work,and that that organization has
(19:28):
spread, and we'll be talkingmore about Isaiah House.
I'm looking forward to that in acouple of weeks when she comes
in for her interview of how shestarted that for children.
SPEAKER_01 (19:38):
Very interesting.
I did uh community work back umin California, and one of the
things was the Jameson Center,where um the same type of
children stay.
And at holiday time I felt sobad.
So I would collect things, gamesand toys and warm clothing, and
(20:03):
just take carload after carloadto the Jameson Center.
So absolutely believe in helpingthese children.
SPEAKER_02 (20:10):
Well, that might be an introduction for us to make,
you know.
But uh, well, Pat, thank you forbeing on today and um just so
thankful that you've had just awonderful experience and um that
you would highly recommend LandaHolmes and Steve Reed and
Jonathan Tipton.
So any last words of wisdom uhfor anybody listening today?
SPEAKER_01 (20:36):
I have enjoyed it thoroughly and have made friends
out of my new family here, sinceI have no other family.
Uh it's been just great.
And I say to anyone looking toget pre-qualified, whether
you're wanting to buy today or afew months down the road, give
(20:58):
Steve and Jonathan a call.
You won't be sorry.
SPEAKER_02 (21:02):
Oh, thank you for that, Pat.
Well, I hope you'll come backlater and we'll um we'll talk
about some other things withyour experiences here in East
Tennessee.
SPEAKER_01 (21:11):
Thank you, Christine.
It was my pleasure.
SPEAKER_00 (21:16):
This has been Benchmark Happenings, brought to
you by Jonathan Tipton and SteveReed from Benchmark Home Loans.
Jonathan and Steve areresidential mortgage lenders.
They do home loans in NortheastTennessee.
And they're not only licensed inTennessee, but Florida, Georgia,
South Carolina, and Virginia.
We hope you've enjoyed the show.
(21:37):
If you did, make sure to like,rate, and review.
Our passion is NortheastTennessee.
So if you have questions aboutmortgages, call us at
423-491-5405.
And the website iswww.jonathansteve.com.
Thanks for being with us, andwe'll see you next time on
(21:59):
Benchmark Happenings.
This is Benchmark Happening.
Brought to you by Jonathan andSteve from Benchmark Home Loans.
Northeast Tennessee.
Johnson City, Kingsport,Bristol, the Tri-City, one of
the most beautiful places in thecountry to live.
Tons of great things to do andawesome local businesses.
(00:22):
And on this show, you'll findout why people are dying to move
to Northeast Tennessee.
And on the way, we'll havediscussions about mortgages.
And we'll interview people inthe real estate industry.
It's what we do.
This is Benchmark Happenings,brought to you by Benchmark Home
Loans.
And now your host, ChristineReed.
SPEAKER_02 (00:46):
Welcome back, everybody, to another episode of
Benchmark Happenings.
And the star of our show todayis Miss Pat Parsons.
Welcome, Pat.
SPEAKER_01 (00:57):
Thank you, Christine.
I'm very happy to be here.
SPEAKER_02 (01:00):
Oh, well, we are happy that you agreed to come
today on a short notice.
And so we've done a fewpodcasts, Pat.
You know, Steve and Jonathan,they have started a new business
venture, and it's called Land toHomes.
And it's uh a business around uhproviding affordable homes for
(01:22):
our community and for thebeautiful East Tennessee area
that we all know and love.
And so uh, Pat, we talk aboutpeople that move to East
Tennessee because they love EastTennessee.
It's I call it free Tennessee,where we are conservative and we
(01:43):
love the Constitution, we loveour guns, and uh we love being
free.
So we talk about how people fromCalifornia, New York, Florida,
from all over the country arejust dying to move to East
Tennessee.
And so, Pat, you are one ofthose young ladies that have
(02:03):
moved from the state ofCalifornia.
So tell us a little bit aboutthat and where you lived and
what brought you here to EastTennessee.
SPEAKER_01 (02:15):
Wow, I don't know if we have that much time, but
actually, California is verybeautiful.
Unfortunately, things havechanged in California that no
longer suited my lifestyle.
And I visited um the Tri-Citiesarea about two years ago.
Okay.
Absolutely fell in love with theslower pace.
(02:39):
I call it Chillville here.
SPEAKER_02 (02:41):
It is Chillville.
SPEAKER_01 (02:43):
Everyone is kicked back, you're not doing mock 10
with your hair on fire.
It's just a lovely, beautiful,friendly community.
And I wanted to be part of it.
So for two years, I made mypreparations, put my house on
(03:03):
the market, sold fast.
I knew that was a good sign, andI hopped on a cross country
train and came to Tennessee andjust absolutely love it here.
SPEAKER_02 (03:18):
Well, so Pat, and so you came from California, and uh
we we know the there's a lot ofphenomenal, wonderful people
still that live out there, andthat and it is a beautiful
state.
We love it.
We've been to all parts ofCalifornia, Steve and I, and
it's just that there's somethings there now that just no
longer, like you said, work withyour lifestyle of wanting to be
(03:39):
free and conservative, and a lotof the political um influences
there just don't align with uhbiblical worldview or
conservative values.
And so, how did you meet uhSteve and Jonathan?
And so what we want to do istell those who are listening
(04:00):
today about your experience withland to homes, because I really
believe that Steve and Jonathanare doing a good work because
they are providing beautifulturnkey homes for individuals
here in our area, and it'sreally meeting uh a need uh for
East Tennessee.
So, how did you two meet?
SPEAKER_01 (04:22):
Interesting story.
I was looking at homes while Iwas still in California, and I
found one that was of interestand called the office and ended
up meeting the agent that Iused.
And my agent was kind enough torefer me to benchmark to Steve.
(04:44):
Oh, who was your agent?
Sam Taylor.
SPEAKER_02 (04:47):
Oh, Sam, we love Sam Taylor.
Yes, expert properties, yes.
SPEAKER_01 (04:53):
Absolutely.
He was great, and he said, let'sget you over there, we'll have
you talk to Steve, we'll get youpre-qualified, and then we'll go
from there.
Well, my experience meetingSteve was fabulous.
It's like, what a great, warm,welcoming person.
(05:14):
And in talking to him andfilling out my application, he
asked me what I was looking for,price range I wanted to be in,
and then proceeded to tell meabout his uh ventures with
Jonathan and purchasing land andputting um manufactured homes on
(05:36):
there that were very affordable.
Well, as luck would have it, Iwas looking at manufactured
homes two years ago and was justamazed how far they'd come and
how beautiful they were, havingeverything new, everything you
needed, great floor plans.
So uh Steve caught my interestum right away and took me to
(06:00):
look at the one that wasavailable.
Oh my goodness, I I walked inthe door and it was like this is
it.
The views, the home, I justreally immediately knew it was
for me.
And the price was right.
There were a few additions Ithought I could make to
(06:22):
accommodate my needs, and didn'tsee any problem with doing those
things.
So we ventured back here to theoffice, finished the
application, and I said, let'swrite a deal.
And we went from there.
SPEAKER_02 (06:38):
And you know, I want to go back to something you
said, Pat, because there is astigma uh with manufactured
homes.
And I don't think people realizethat um the regulations that
they are under today, they'reunder the same guidelines as
housing urban development, andthey are very stringent
(06:58):
guidelines, and the quality ofthese homes is bar none, and and
I would say that the quality isprobably better than most homes
that are built.
SPEAKER_01 (07:11):
I was in that industry for 34 years, and what
you're saying is very true.
The uh quality of our homes incomparison to years ago is not
the same, and I think we allknow that because of costs.
Sure, absolutely.
So when I saw everything thatyou could get in a manufactured
(07:36):
home, I was just absolutelyblown away.
It was like this is perfect, youknow.
I don't need to look anyfurther.
Um, if I were to have bought aregular home, I probably would
have had to do a lot of upgradesto it that I didn't have to do.
SPEAKER_02 (07:57):
Right.
SPEAKER_01 (07:57):
The projects I've taken on are just extra things
like a garage and a finished umscreened patio and to take
advantage of that beautiful viewthat you have.
And I do.
The view is to die for, and it'sone of the reasons I just think
(08:18):
Tennessee is so drop dead,beautiful.
SPEAKER_02 (08:23):
Thank you.
It it truly is having all fourseasons and and I love the fact
that you you you love you'revery happy and you love the
quality of your home and and theindustry that you were in.
What industry were you in, Pat,for 30 years?
SPEAKER_01 (08:40):
I was in real estate.
Um probably about the last 15years I did new construction.
So I can say honestly, I knowhow these homes are built.
unknown (08:52):
Okay.
SPEAKER_02 (08:53):
And and some of them are built very quickly, um and
they go up.
I know that D.R.
Horton is probably one of thelargest builders in the United
States, and um their homes andand and you know what, and and
um but I know we know of peoplewho have had a lot of issues
with those homes, so sure.
(09:14):
Uh which you can have an issuewith anything basically, but um,
but I love the fact that youlove your your home and uh it's
perfect for you.
And um, so what other thingsabout that your experience with
Steve that you would like toshare, just maybe in the maybe
the just the loan process,because I think sometimes that's
(09:35):
that's sort of a a greatundertaking this day in time
with what's required to get ahome loan.
SPEAKER_01 (09:42):
It absolutely is.
Um, there's a lot of componentsthat go into um getting
qualified for a loan thatpeople, if they're not educated,
they don't realize.
And I think the um one of thegreat things with Steve is he
explains everything to you inEnglish terms that you can
(10:06):
understand, right?
And um I was amazed how easy hemade it for me.
I mean, I've done this for a lotof years and the ease of this
was just incredible.
I thought, really?
I'm qualifying for a loan.
Just because, you know, it inthe past, I think with a lot of
(10:31):
people, they find it very umoverwhelming, scary.
They're not sure what to expectalong the way.
Of course, being in the field Iwas in, I knew, but I was still
in disbelief how easy benchmarkmade it to put my loan through.
I thought 30 days, that's great,you know.
(10:53):
Right.
We closed it early because theyhad everything done.
They made everything so easy forme.
And being that I was in transithere staying with a friend, I
didn't know if I had all mypaperwork with me because my
things from moving hadn'tarrived yet, and yet they were
(11:14):
able to accommodate me and getmy loan closed ahead of
schedule.
SPEAKER_02 (11:19):
Wow.
So uh 30 days was what you werethinking.
So how soon did your loan close,Pat?
SPEAKER_01 (11:26):
Probably about 27, 26, 27 days.
And that's great.
But it could have closed sooner,I believe.
We just were riding it out, youknow.
Yeah.
SPEAKER_02 (11:37):
Uh and was Steve accessible through this process,
Pat?
SPEAKER_01 (11:42):
Steve is the most accessible person I know.
If you text him and you don'thear back within five minutes,
you know that he's probablymeeting with other folks trying
to qualify or in some type of ameeting.
He's very, very prompt.
If he doesn't have the answer,he gets back to you.
(12:04):
And I think communication is abig thing for buyers, trying to
find out answers to theirquestions.
You just feel like somebodyreally cares and takes an
interest and takes the time torespond to you, whether by phone
or text or email.
SPEAKER_02 (12:23):
That's great.
And and I know that Steve, youknow, he's been doing this for
40 years.
And so there's a lot ofdifferent products out there in
the lending industry.
And a lot of people, you know,say at a bank or a credit union,
they only know one thing.
They know conventional, andthat's it.
But Steve is is, you know, whathe likes to do is be well versed
(12:45):
on what's available.
And like you said, to sit downwith our clients, and we really
like to refer to you guys as ourfamily, as our family, because
we're helping families get intohomes, whether it be a home
that's built or a land to homesuh manufactured home as well.
(13:05):
Um, I think that's a gamechanger in today's world where
people are just not accessibleany longer.
SPEAKER_01 (13:15):
I have to agree with you because one of the things
that I took pride in for yearsis if I had a question from my
customers to get back to them asquickly as possible, um, because
that's how I like to be treated.
So if that's how I like it, Ifigure they do too.
(13:35):
And their time's equally asvaluable as mine.
So I was very appreciative athow well I was treated, the
response that I got, how quick Igot it.
So it really was an exceptionalexperience for me, even having
been in the business.
SPEAKER_02 (13:55):
Thank you.
And that means a lot because youdo have the experience and
you've been on the real estateside.
So you've worked with a lot oflenders in the past and other
realtors in the housing market.
So that means a lot coming fromuh from you, Pat, and we really
appreciate that.
And back to land to home.
So, you know, Steve and Jonathanlike to say it's a turnkey
(14:18):
project.
Um, and I think they're finishedout better than most.
Uh, would you agree with that,with some of the things that
they do provide that's extra?
SPEAKER_01 (14:31):
I do agree.
I feel like all lenders are notcreated equal, okay?
And the fact that they changehats as uh seller of the land to
home and then handling thelending end of it, they just are
so knowledgeable, you feel likeyou're being protected.
(14:54):
And since I was buying this homeby myself, you like to know that
there's the people you'reworking with are there by your
side.
Clear down until the closingday.
They were there for me.
And after, if I had questionsafter the close, I could always
(15:15):
get a hold of Steve.
So I'm very grateful for thatthat um I landed here at
Benchmark.
SPEAKER_02 (15:24):
And so that took really took a lot of courage,
Pat, what you did.
I mean, picking up moving, youknow, from one end of the
country by yourself.
And so when you knew, when youwere visiting here in East
Tennessee, what what particularthings drew you to this amazing
(15:49):
area?
SPEAKER_01 (15:50):
Well, I have to go back in time.
My brother and his wife lived inJohnson City and then purchased
a home back in the 90s inKingsport.
And because I had lived in manyof the states across the country
and knew I did not want toretire and any of those.
(16:11):
I'd been there, done that.
He suggested I check out thisarea.
And so I did.
And I looked no further after Icame here.
I just felt it was my calling.
Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm.
SPEAKER_02 (16:24):
Now, does your brother and his wife, do they
still live in Kingsport?
SPEAKER_01 (16:28):
No, they don't, but they are thinking of relocating
since I'm here now.
They uh and my sister as well.
She's in Reno, she wants toultimately move here, and my
brother and his wife are up onthe St.
Lawrence River across fromCanada, which it's a bitter cold
up there, and they have longwinters, and they like the
(16:51):
winters here much better.
SPEAKER_02 (16:52):
Absolutely.
I could not imagine being inthose areas for the rent.
We we actually have very mildwinters here in East Tennessee.
Rarely do we get we get somesnow.
Temperatures, you know, are notactually that bad.
And of course, you know, whoknows what this winter's going
to hold.
But for the last several years,they have been fairly mild and
(17:16):
easy to navigate.
And I know that, you know, Idon't think you need to worry
too much about driving in iceand snow living here.
SPEAKER_01 (17:24):
Good.
I'm a fair weather driver, sothat sounded really good to me
as well.
SPEAKER_02 (17:31):
Absolutely.
So, what future plans do youhave here, Pat?
Uh setting, you know, puttingdown routes in East Tennessee,
and I know you have a friend umthat lives here already.
And so what are some futureplans for Pat?
SPEAKER_01 (17:50):
Well, after I finish getting settled in and my little
projects there at uh the newhome, I would like to get
involved in the community so Ican meet more people and um
possibly do volunteer work.
Um, and just I've gotten to knowmy neighbors already.
(18:11):
Um, and now I look forward tomeeting and belonging to more um
groups that are here in theTri-City area.
SPEAKER_02 (18:22):
Okay.
Well, there is plenty of that tobelong to for sure.
Um, and I know we kind of we'vetalked, um, you know, kind of
have the same uh politicalbeliefs as conservative, good
Republicans here, and I knowthere's a lot of great um
avenues for that, and then wehave so many opportunities to
(18:44):
volunteer because there is a uha lot of need here in East
Tennessee.
And uh some of the things I'vegot a lady coming in in a couple
of weeks, Rhonda Paulson, thatstarted Isaiah House, and that's
for uh children who have beenremoved from the home in an
abusive situation, and theyinstead of sitting in a uh
(19:06):
sheriff's office or um the DHSoffice, they can actually take
them to a house, the IsaiahHouse, where they have a warm,
comfortable, uh safe home tostay until the DHS can actually
place them in foster care.
So uh she's done a great work,and that that organization has
(19:28):
spread, and we'll be talkingmore about Isaiah House.
I'm looking forward to that in acouple of weeks when she comes
in for her interview of how shestarted that for children.
SPEAKER_01 (19:38):
Very interesting.
I did uh community work back umin California, and one of the
things was the Jameson Center,where um the same type of
children stay.
And at holiday time I felt sobad.
So I would collect things, gamesand toys and warm clothing, and
(20:03):
just take carload after carloadto the Jameson Center.
So absolutely believe in helpingthese children.
SPEAKER_02 (20:10):
Well, that might be an introduction for us to make,
you know.
But uh, well, Pat, thank you forbeing on today and um just so
thankful that you've had just awonderful experience and um that
you would highly recommend LandaHolmes and Steve Reed and
Jonathan Tipton.
So any last words of wisdom uhfor anybody listening today?
SPEAKER_01 (20:36):
I have enjoyed it thoroughly and have made friends
out of my new family here, sinceI have no other family.
Uh it's been just great.
And I say to anyone looking toget pre-qualified, whether
you're wanting to buy today or afew months down the road, give
(20:58):
Steve and Jonathan a call.
You won't be sorry.
SPEAKER_02 (21:02):
Oh, thank you for that, Pat.
Well, I hope you'll come backlater and we'll um we'll talk
about some other things withyour experiences here in East
Tennessee.
SPEAKER_01 (21:11):
Thank you, Christine.
It was my pleasure.
SPEAKER_00 (21:16):
This has been Benchmark Happenings, brought to
you by Jonathan Tipton and SteveReed from Benchmark Home Loans.
Jonathan and Steve areresidential mortgage lenders.
They do home loans in NortheastTennessee.
And they're not only licensed inTennessee, but Florida, Georgia,
South Carolina, and Virginia.
We hope you've enjoyed the show.
(21:37):
If you did, make sure to like,rate, and review.
Our passion is NortheastTennessee.
So if you have questions aboutmortgages, call us at
423-491-5405.
And the website iswww.jonathansteve.com.
Thanks for being with us, andwe'll see you next time on
(21:59):
Benchmark Happenings.
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