We really enjoyed working with Michael! At first, we were on the fence about the process and even if we should make an offer. Michael not only took the time to meet us in the city, but he spent time explaining the process and reassuring us about the approval process. That same day, we were approved and were able to make an offer on a wonderful condo in the city thanks to Michael's support. From there, he made everything seamless and easy. From the online portal, to his videos explaining the process, to his willingness to jump on a call over the weekend or while he was on vacation to provide clarity, Michael was always available with truthful and transparent information and energy to make us excited and comfortable with the process. Because of him, we were able to buy our first home and we couldn't thank him enough! I would highly recommend working with him and his team and if we were to sell/buy another home, I will definitely reach out to him and work with him again. He made what should have been a stressful process easy and fun! Thank you, Michael, for all you have done for us :). ~ Danielle and Ross G. read more

When buying a home, whether it is your first or your third, you always need a great lender at hand to answer questions, give you guidance, and explain all the ins and outs of where your money is going. Some people think that the most important person you hire is your realtor, but I would have to say that your lender is definitely the one you want at your side, and having your back at the closing table. Michael and his entire team at Neighborhood Loans were all of these things and more... they were extremely accessible, responsive and knowledgeable about every form, and every process. They made our experience one that we didn't mind going through, as well as one that added a new friend to our contact list. We will be recommending him and his team to everyone we know, and I hope that whatever company you go with, you do your research and make sure that they are as great as Neighborhood Loans, otherwise you are doing yourself a disservice. read more

Being a young first time homebuyer, I had no idea what I was doing. My realtor recommended Michael and his team at Neighborhood Loans, and it was one of the best decisions I made. From the very start Michael was available to answer my questions or concerns whether through e-mail or making time to call and chat with me. He was flexible and worked around my crazy schedule to be able to answer any and all questions. His team was also on top of things once I finally found a condo and started the process of purchasing. They helped me navigate my way through each step of the process and were always ready to help when needed. Michael and his team were even on top of things as some things changed the day of my closing. They kept it all running smooth and the closing went through as planned. I would definitely recommend Michael, Ashley, and Donna from Neighborhood Loans for anyone looking to buy a place. Thank you all so much! read more

I cannot give enough praise to the quality of work coming from Michael and his team. As a first-time homebuyer, I knew nothing about the process, and Michael took the time to answer every single question I had whenever they came up. We set up several phone calls just for me to ask questions, and Michael always answered them thoroughly and patiently. He, Donna, and Ashley were ALWAYS available, and they always got work done extremely quickly. I was constantly impressed with the turnaround speed for phone calls, documents, anything! Michael was transparent about everything associated to my rates and the process, and, as I mentioned previously, thoroughly explained everything to me. I'd highly recommend Michael if you are in the market for a lender, and I especially recommend him to first-time homebuyers! read more

My wife and I recently purchased an investment property. Michael was recommended as a lender, by a friend who had recently used his services. Michael and his staff at Neighborhood Loans were extremely professional, quick with the loan and patient with us. As this was our first investment property purchase, we had lots of questions. Michael and his staff answered every question as soon as we asked, without hesitation. I felt that our contribution to the loan process was minimal and painless. Michael and his staff worked with us every step of the way. At our closing, the Title Company and seller's attorney both commented to me that this was the smoothest closing they had ever been apart of due to the diligence of our lender. I hope this is the first of many dealings that we have with them. read more

Michael and his team were incredibly kind and generous with their time throughout every step of the lending process. My husband and I were very green to home-buying and lending. Michael spoke with us often late into the evenings helping us understand the decision making points and giving us genuine, human guidance. We felt well-supported with expert information and navigation - which increased our confidence in this big financial and life step. Moreover, as professionals with hectic work schedules, Michael and his team provided superior project management to make sure that we were meeting our milestones and had all of our ducks in a row. We highly recommend Michael and his team. Look no further! read more

Michael and Donna were great to work with and they were extremely personable. During the five week closing process, I spoke with Michael weekly as he kept me abreast to where the process was. And sure there were times when I was stressed but Michael assured me everything would be fine, and he was right. Additionally, I used the VA loan when working with Michael. This was actually my 2nd time using the VA loan. However this process, with Michael and company, was 100 times simpler than a company who bases their entire business practices as catering to Military professionals. Michael and company are definitely on top of their game. Thanks read more

My husband and I refinanced our VA home loan with Michael, and we would work with him again in a heartbeat! We highly recommend Michael to anyone who is looking to purchase or refinance a home. He is extremely responsive, very knowledgeable, and truly cares about what he does and the clients he works for. If at any point we had a question or had trouble understanding part of the process, Michael was quick to explain in detail and help us learn along the way. Not to mention he locked in such a low rate for us, we couldn't pass it up! :) Thanks for everything Michael! read more

My husband and I are first time home buyers and Michael made this transaction smooth and painless. From the first phone call to even after closing day, Michael was there with his positive energy and knowledge. He was never condescending in any way, shape or form and treated us like we've been friends for years. He's professional as well as all the staff in his office but also has a calmness to him that puts your mind at ease through what can be a very stressful process. I highly recommend him for all your real estate needs, you will NOT be disappointed. read more

I'm extremely happy with Mike and team, they made it happen. How good is Mike? Even my lawyer filed an extension requested... Which we ended up not needing, Mike was very sure of him from the beginning. If you are first time homebuyer, look no further. If this is not your first time, I guarantee you'll have a better experience with Mike! He clearly goes through every single details and let you know you honestclosing probability. I really enjoyed working with him and his team and I can proudly recommend him!!! Thanks Mike!! read more

He's a Rockstar! Michael was so informative, knowledgeable and most importantly-patient. He answered all my (stupid) questions and explained it to me as simply as possible. He held my hand through the whole process. I give praise to his team as well for being so diligent and getting things to me in a timely manner. Michael and his team definitely helped ease the angst I had of buying a home on my own. Such a professional team. Thank you so much for helping me with my dream to have and make a home for myself and my son. read more

Michael Benks, Donna, and Ashley were incredible to work with! It was my first time buying a home and they walked me through the entire process, every step of the way. They were extremely helpful, response times were almost immediate any time I had a question. Michael even would call me late at night if I had a question that required a detailed explanation. I can't say enough great things about Neighborhood Loans. Team Bencks is the best!! So thankful for everything they did and I'm now a homeowner! Thank you all again! read more

Michael and his team were incredibly helpful to me when finding a loan for my first home purchase. I was definitely nervous and a little clueless as to how the loan process worked, and Michael took the time to explain everything to me, including different payment options. He really was available at any time and worked with my schedule to touch base whenever I had questions. Communication is key with a home purchase, and I felt totally safe and informed with Michael and his team. I would recommend him to anyone! read more

My wife and I as first time home buyers were overwhelmed to start the purchasing process to say the least. Michael and his team made those nerves disappear immediately. He walked us through the process step by step and there were ZERO unexpected hurdles. We cannot say enough positive things about Michael...a true professional, extremely quick response time and incredibly knowledgeable about anything and everything. He will be our lender on our next home as well. Great job and thanks again for everything! read more

Michael and his team at Neighborhood Loans were fantastic! Everyone was always so friendly and knowledgeable. Any questions I had were always answered within a few hours, if not minutes! Michael took the time to speak to me personally to explain the loan process. He even got me a lower interest rate than what my bank could offer - so that's an obvious win! He's very personable and made the daunting mortgage process much less overwhelming. I would HIGHLY recommend this company! read more

If I could give more than 5 stars, I would! Everyone at Neighborhood Loans we dealt with were fabulous! Calls returned quickly.. they kept us informed every step of the way on our re-fi. Michael Bencks and his associates - Donna, Margie and Tom - make a great team. Every step of the loan process comes with an email with a short video of Michael and his team explaining what to expect. And no surprises! Just a very smooth process! I couldn't recommend them enough! read more

This is my 2nd time mortgaging a home, and both times I chose to work with Michael. My first experience working with Michael was very positive and this time was no different. Michael is extremely knowledgeable in the space, and is able to simplify a complicated process. His commitment to customers is 2nd to none, and it is reflective when dealing with his whole team. If you are looking for a real pro, and someone you can trust, Michael and team is a great option. read more

My husband and I were first time homebuyers and we loved working with Michael. He helped us navigate the homebuying process and took time to ensure that all of our questions were answered. Michael is fast-paced and data-driven - two essential attributes for a mortgage broker. From the first time we spoke, through the closing process, I knew we were in good hands. I cannot recommend Michael enough, and would not hesitate to work with him again in the future! read more

The home search process was fun in the beginning, but after awhile it becomes daunting. Michael and his team were outstanding to work with. Whenever we found a home we wanted to make an offer on, Michael's turnaround time for the offer letter was within the hour. I'm pretty sure he brings his laptop with him everywhere he goes just for his clients. We highly recommend him and we're certain his quick turnaround helped us get our dream home. read more