The Right Choice for Home Financing

If you need a home loan starting place or simply want to explore additional lending avenues, we have options. In our quest to offer you only the best, we’ve hand-picked the most dedicated experts as our preferred lending partners.

When buying a new construction home with Pacesetter Homes, Jared Wilson with Benchmark Mortgage is your trusted partner. With over two decades of experience, Benchmark is dedicated to providing top-notch service, competitive rates, affordable mortgages, and sound financial guidance. Their team of experts will assist you through the entire mortgage process, ensuring you’re informed and supported every step of the way.

Benchmark offers a variety of loan options to fit your needs, including:

  • Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans
  • Non-QM / Bank Statement / Investor specific loans
  • Bond / Down Payment Assistance Programs
  • Texas Veteran’s Land Board Loans
  • Options for when you have a home to sell first

Get pre-approved today—there’s no fee or obligation—and take the first step toward making your new home a reality.

Jared Wilson

Vice President
Dallas Builders Association McSam Award
Winner for Lender of the Year 2025

NMLS #1064947

Ark-La-Tex Financial Services, LLC / NMLS #2143
5160 Tennyson Parkway, Suite 1000
Plano, TX 75024

Email:

Office: 469-731-8392

Service First Mortgage, Pacesetter Homes preferred lender, is passionate about empowering our team and our customers with responsible financial management knowledge to promote smart financial habits.

Service First Mortgage is committed to providing the best products, offering the most comprehensive services and affordable mortgage rates. As a full-service mortgage lender approved with Fannie Mae, Ginnie Mae, HUD, and VA, they are fully equipped to take care of a customer from loan origination to payoff. Their vast array of products will help you get the right loan to meet your specific needs.

The first step to home ownership is getting pre-qualified for a new home. There is no fee to apply or obligation.

Stephanie Johnston

Senior Loan Officer
NMLS #621637

5408 W. Plano Pkwy Plano, TX 78730

Email: 

Office: 214-576-2934
Fax: 214-481-8263

Closing your home with confidence.

Closing on a house is the most rewarding part of the home buying process. Here’s a guide to help you prepare you for the day of closing.

How Long Does It Take To Close?

On closing day, you’ll spend about 1-1.5 hours at your scheduled appointment signing final paperwork

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Step 1 : Understanding Your Documents

The closing documents detail all your loan’s important information. That includes:

  • Loan term, loan amount, and interest rate

  • Estimated monthly mortgage payment

  • Closing costs (including origination, underwriting, and government fees)

  • Amount of money you’ll need to bring to closing, also known as cash-to-close

  • Loan disclosures

Title Documents

During the closing process, a title company working in the interest of you and your lender will perform a title search to ensure the seller owns the right to the property and confirm there are no existing liens on the home.

02

Step 2 : Selecting A Homeowners Insurance Plan

Mortgage lenders require buyers to get a homeowners insurance plan for the new home and show proof of this insurance just before or during closing.

Home insurance helps protect you from major unexpected costs. If your house is damaged by something like a fire, the policy can contribute toward repairs. If your belongings are stolen, coverage may help reimburse you so you can replace them.

It can also protect you if someone is hurt on your property. For instance, if a guest falls on your walkway or steps, the policy may help cover medical bills or legal claims.

The goal is to have enough coverage to restore your home and replace your items after a loss. If you’re financing your purchase with a mortgage, your lender will typically require active home insurance before final approval.

03

Step 3 : Preparing Your Finances For Closing Day

Understand the costs associated with purchasing a home and know what you need to bring to the closing table.

Closing costs are the fees paid to your lender and other third parties to close on your loan. They’re typically around 2% – 6% of the purchase price of the home and include several fees like the appraisal, origination, title insurance, and application fees. You may also have to pay mortgage insurance depending on the type of loan you get and how much you put down. Keep in mind that closing costs are not the same as prepaid costs.

Earnest money is the money you put down to show the seller you’re serious about buying their home and protects the seller if you were to back out of the deal. The money is held on an escrow account until the deal is completed, then applied to your down payment or closing costs.

Lender credits are provided by the lender to absorb your closing costs in exchange for paying a higher interest rate. This could be a good option for cash-strapped buyers who may not have a ton of money to pay closing costs. However, a higher interest rate means you’ll pay more in interest over the life of the loan.

Cash to close is the total amount of money – closing costs included – that you need to bring on closing day. Your down payment makes up much of your cash to close. Depending on your loan, your down payment could be as little as 3% or as high as you wish. If you have a government-backed loan, like a USDA or VA loan, you may not have a required down payment.

04

Step 4 : Planning What To Bring To The Table

Most of the closing documents you’ll review and sign on closing day will be provided to you at closing. However, there are some items you’re required to bring on closing day:

  • A form of identification, like a driver’s license, passport or government-issued photo ID
  • A certified or cashier’s check in the amount of closing costs due or proof of a wire transfer (cash and personal checks are not usually accepted)

  • Your closing disclosure to compare to final paperwork

  • Proof of your homeowners insurance

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