Testimonials

Erik,

In case you have not figured it out, we are telling everyone we can find about you and Benchmark Mortgage!  You were incredible in helping us get a good rate without a hassle. I have some experience in the real estate field, and our experience with you is by far the easiest and most problem free transaction that I have seen either personally or professionally. You are very knowledgeable, explained our options without being pushy, and we felt that you truly had our best interest in mind. Who could not ask for a better combination!

We appreciate you!

Cordially,

Mark and Sara Trimble 

I have had the pleasure of working with Erik Kurelko and Melissa Givens and I could not have asked for a better dynamic duo. Once I sent in my request for information about the VA loan, I received an email that evening from Erik. He was very helpful and got started the next day on my request for a loan. He kept me informed every step of the way and did not hesitate to answer my 100+ questions whenever I called or emailed him. Melissa contacted me on what documents I needed to send in for the loan. She worked diligently to ensure all paperwork was filled out correctly and that my loan packet was complete. Erik went above and beyond to make sure me and my husband understood every step of the home buying process. Even when we ran into a snag with the sellers realtor, he helped me to overcome that obstacle and brought me through the difficulties people encounter when purchasing a home. Erik and Melissa were more than just mortgage company employees to me. They were and are my good friends. They allowed me to become a proud home owner and made my dreams a reality. I would recommend them 100 times over to anyone that I come in contact with who wants to purchase a home. Benchmark should be honored to have employees like Erik Kurelko and Melissa Givens! 

Always and Forever Grateful,

SFC Cassandra D. Shepherd, U.S. Army

Erik,

I would like to extend my gratitude and say thanks for being professional, courteous, and most of all patient.  If I have anyone that I know that's interested in buying a home, I will most definitely send you the lead.  May God Bless you and your family and thanks for looking out for your fellow veterans.

Sincerely,

AZ1(AW) Bobby L. Colquitt, U.S. Navy

Erik,

The house is great. Half moved in. I appreciate all your help and guidance. I had the feeling the entire time that you were working on my behalf and doing a great job looking out for me. Everything in the loan was as you said it would be from the beginning with no surprises. Please tell everyone that worked on the loan "Thank You!". I will certainly forward anyone I know looking for a loan directly to you.

Thanks again,

Al Jones

It has been a great experience working with Erik Kurelko on the purchase of our new home.  He made this process simple and easy.  He was there to answer all our questions and also give us information we wouldn't have thought to ask.  Even though we were working together in different states, he always stayed on top of things and could be reached easily.  He is very professional yet down to earth which made us feel very comfortable.  We feel very fortunate he took care of our loan and would recommend him to anyone. 

Thank you,

TSGT Kristopher and Victoria Akers, U.S. Air Force

Erik/Melissa,

It has been a true honor working with the professionalism you've brought to the table. I commend you and Melissa on a 1st class experience. Your teams initiatives and methodical follow-up procedures established the measuring bar for future transactions. Of my 14 transactions, thus far this year, your team easily ranked #1. Thanks for making the impossible possible.

I'd gladly refer your team to my future VA clients.

Job Well Done!!!

Hooah!!!

Tarence Davis, Realtor
USAF (Retired)

I want to thank you for your diligence and assistance in working things out for our being able to use our VA once again.  It was a pleasure to have someone like you in our corner.

I greatly appreciate all that you did for us, ensuring that we were placed in the home of our choice.  Had it not been for your help and assistance, this would not have happened. 

Eric M. Lewis

Erik, you and Melissa work GREAT as a team! The house is fantastic. The loan process was a nothing of the horror stories my wife and I had heard so much about.

You will be HIGHLY recommended to anyone I hear of seeking a home loan. I will take my cover off to you and salute you.

IT IS MY HONOR

D.A. Russell USAF

We just wanted to take a minute to say Thank You!  You both made buying our home easy.  We had lots of questions and you were there to explain everything.  Couldn't have asked for a smoother transaction or better people working for us to get the job done!!  We LOVE our home!! 

Thank You so much for everything!!

The Litterals

Dear Erik, 

You were right!  When we met in early April, you assured us that if we all cooperated, the closing would go smoothly and the buying process for the Ramos family would be a pleasant one.   That is exactly how it was.   I want to thank you and go on record to say I was totally impressed with the level of professionalism you and your staff showed throughout the entire process.   

We all know that the mortgage market is, at best, challenging at this time.  It was clear to me that you and Melissa are experienced and know your products well.  I would be delighted to refer any new business, particularly VA loans, your way! 

Best wishes,

Monica LoMonaco, GRI

Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc.

Dear Erik,

I just want to thank you for the professional manner in which you handle my VA loan.  Prior to making contact with you, I had applied for a VA loan with my local Bank. They told me that I would not qualify  since  it would be a jumbo loan. Luckily,  I found you and with your detailed knowledge and expertise, you were able to secure my loan.

There is never  any substitute for a professional. You are truly one. It is really very unusual to find someone who is a real expert, knows all the rules and who is willing to get personally  involved. Morning, noon, nights and  weekends. You were always available.

You gave it that special and personal attention that was needed. I'm afraid, I was a bit of a pain with my questions and suggestions, but you handled it with good grace and patience. When it was all over, I felt that I had made a friend.

I would also like to compliment your assistant, Melissa Givens who very ably handled the mass of paperwork involved without one mistake. I think Benchmark Mortgage  has an outstanding and exceptional  team.

I wish you every success and you can be assured that I will recommend you to my friends and colleagues. You may refer any of your potential customers to me and I will be more than happy to confirm my exceptional experience with you and recommend your services.

Warm regards,

Bertram L. Parr

Colonel, US Army

Retired