Benchmark Happenings

Jonathan Tipton, Steve Reed & Christine Reed
  • 5.0 (7)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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

  1. FEB 4

    From Boutique IT To Big Impact: How Pointech Solves Real Business Problems

    Ready to rethink what “IT support” means? We bring back entrepreneur and Pointech founder Austin Ramsey for a candid, high-energy conversation about turning technology into real business outcomes. Austin shares how a boutique, strategy-first model beats the old sales playbook by starting with listening, mapping how revenue moves, and designing systems that deliver peace of mind. The stories land close to home: a chance furniture pickup reveals a failing phone system that’s bleeding revenue; a next-day temporary fix and a thoughtful rebuild turn chaos into reliability and long-term growth. We dig into Austin’s evolution from solo founder to project leader and partner, including a behind-the-scenes look at a 20,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art surgery center where he served as lead project manager for connectivity and infrastructure. From owner items and compliance to vendor coordination, he explains how large builds succeed when someone owns the details and protects the timeline. Along the way, he breaks down his signature mindset: crush the box to remove limits, then think beyond big to keep momentum after milestones. That approach creates intrapreneurs—team members who innovate from within—and aligns IT with the business instead of the ticket queue. AI threads through everything we cover: using tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to accelerate writing, design, and problem-solving without outsourcing judgment. Austin shows where AI saves hours, where it can mislead, and how to balance speed with verification. If you care about practical technology strategy, operational calm, and a smarter way to scale, this conversation is your playbook for 2026. Subscribe for future episodes, share this with a friend who leads a growing team, and leave a quick review to help more people find the show. Got a question or a story about tech saving (or sinking) your day? Send it our way and join the conversation. 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.

    30 min

  2. JAN 21

    Inside Land2Homes: Affordable Quality For Northeast Tennessee Buyers

    Buyers keep asking how we’re moving homes so quickly without cutting corners. The short answer: relentless standards, a smarter mortgage strategy, and a system that keeps 13 projects on track without the chaos that sinks timelines and budgets. We open up about our first full year at Land2Homes and what it takes to deliver turnkey manufactured homes that feel great on day one—and still pencil out. We walk through the real levers of affordability in the Tri‑Cities: pairing quality manufactured homes with below‑market mortgage rates so the monthly payment rivals older inventory. You’ll hear how we decide when a home is truly ready to list, why we’ll delay a week to fix trim or stabilize stepping stones, and how that patience pays off with faster sales and happier buyers. We also share the unglamorous parts, like mowing sites ourselves or troubleshooting underpinning delays, because those choices protect the final product and keep carrying costs in check. Land remains the bottleneck, so we spell out exactly what works: unrestricted parcels or those that allow manufactured homes, water at the road, power nearby, manageable terrain, road frontage if subdividing, and no flood zone surprises. For agents and landowners, we explain how we buy, subdivide, and partner—paying full commissions and relisting with you when appropriate. And for buyers, we talk about why today’s manufactured homes are a different breed: tighter fit and finish, thoughtful layouts, and a true turnkey handoff that includes landscaping and the details most people overlook. We’re still learning, still traveling to industry conferences, and still refining a task‑driven workflow that reduces errors, speeds schedules, and saves money without adding headcount. If you care about attainable housing in Northeast Tennessee and want a candid look at how quality meets cost, press play. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone hunting for land or a first home in the Tri‑Cities. 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.

    22 min

  3. JAN 8

    Inside Prime MD Aesthetics: Safe Injectables, Smarter Skincare, And Realistic Results

    Ready for a fresh start that actually feels like you? We sat down with Prime MD Aesthetics in downtown Johnson City to demystify modern, nurse-led beauty care—no scare tactics, no overdone looks, just smart planning and results you can live in. From GLP-1 weight loss support to microneedling, neuromodulators, fillers, and collagen stimulators, we walk through what each tool does, who it helps most, and how to stack treatments with skincare for real, lasting change. We dig into the art and science of natural results: addressing the whole face instead of spot treating, respecting muscle balance, and choosing the right modality for each concern. You’ll hear how genetics can drive early lines, why medical-grade skincare multiplies your outcomes, and how collagen strategies like microneedling and Sculptra differ from volume-focused fillers. We also talk downtime, pain control, and recovery boosters like PDGF, plus where laser shines for pigment and texture. If you’re navigating Botox vs Dysport, curious about semaglutide or tirzepatide, or overwhelmed by product aisles, this conversation brings clarity. You’ll also get practical details: the Johnson City location opened in January 2024 with a modern, elevated space, free weight-loss consultations this month, and 15% off for new clients. Booking is simple—online, by phone, or through Instagram—and the team’s nurse practitioner shares a patient-first consult process built on listening, education, and budget-aware planning. If your goal is to look rested, brighter, and confidently yourself, this is your guide to doing it safely and thoughtfully. If you enjoyed this conversation, follow and share the show with a friend, and leave a quick review to help others find it. Subscribe for more local stories, expert insights, and practical tips to make Northeast Tennessee living even better. 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.

    24 min

  4. 12/24/2025

    Unconditional Care For Women In Johnson City

    A warm smile at the door. A clear answer when everything feels blurry. That’s the heartbeat of our conversation with Kacey Buchanan as we spotlight Agape Women’s Services in Johnson City—an oasis of free, judgment-free care for women and families navigating unplanned pregnancy, STI concerns, and the complex emotions that follow. We walk through what happens when someone steps into Agape: confidential pregnancy tests, ultrasound confirmation, and practical next steps delivered with empathy and evidence-based education. From Birth Academy classes to a stocked boutique with diapers, formula, and clothing, Agape pairs knowledge with real-world resources. Dads get a seat at the table through the Dads Matter program, building skills and confidence to support mom and baby through that critical first year. The heart of the episode explores healing after abortion. Kacey shares how Abortion Recovery Care and the Forgiven and Set Free study give women language for grief, guilt, anxiety, and isolation—emotions many carry alone for years. We discuss the power of naming losses, processing memories, and breaking secrecy in a safe, mentoring environment. As women move through the stages of grief and embrace forgiveness, chains of shame fall away, relationships strengthen, and hope returns. We also talk impact—hundreds of tests and ultrasounds, strong class attendance, and ongoing outreach to ETSU and local churches. If you need confidential support or want to help, Agape is easy to reach on West Walnut Street and online. Join us to learn how unconditional love, honest information, and steady community can turn crisis into clarity. If this conversation moved you, subscribe, share this episode with a friend who needs it, and leave a review to help others find these resources. Your support helps more families discover practical care and lasting hope. 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.

    26 min

  5. 12/10/2025

    Why A 50-Year Mortgage Saves Pennies Now But Costs A Fortune Later

    A 50-year mortgage sounds like the shortcut to affordability, but does it really help—or just push the bill into the future? We put the buzz to the test with clear numbers on payments, total interest, and equity growth, then map out practical alternatives that preserve your budget and your long-term wealth. Using a $400,000 example at current rates, we show why the monthly savings from 50 years is surprisingly small while the lifetime interest cost mushrooms by more than half a million dollars. From five-year to ten-year equity milestones, the story sharpens: a standard 30-year term builds significantly more wealth, faster. We also explore smarter ways to keep payments in check without adding two decades of debt. Right-size the purchase price, negotiate with a capable agent, and consider saving a bit longer to strengthen your position—all moves that can match the 50-year payment while protecting your equity. Along the way, we talk about what actually drives mortgage rates, why markets matter more than politics, and which policy ideas could help first-time buyers without saddling them with steep interest bills. Whether you’re weighing rent versus buy or debating between a 30-year and a 50-year term, the goal is the same: own smarter, not longer. If the choice is half a century of payments or a small adjustment in price, the math points to a clear winner. Subscribe for more straight-talk breakdowns, share this with a friend who’s house hunting, and leave a quick review to tell us where you stand on ultra-long mortgages. 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.

    23 min

  6. 11/26/2025

    How Isaiah 117 House Turns Trauma Into Care On Day One

    The hardest day of foster care shouldn’t start on a linoleum floor. When a child is removed from home, the first hours shape everything—what they feel, what they fear, and whether they sense anyone is on their side. We sit down with Isaiah 117 House founder Ronda Paulson to unpack a simple but radical shift: replace office waiting rooms with an actual home where kids can bathe, eat, rest, and choose new clothes while caseworkers and foster families get real support. Ronda shares how a personal call to obedience led her from teaching to building a movement. She walks us through the reality of removal day, the strain on caseworkers, and why “day one dignity” matters for long-term outcomes. We trace the first debt-free home in Carter County to statewide momentum—boosted by cross-agency trust and a governor’s backing—and onward to 62 locations in 13 states, with tens of thousands of children served. Along the way, we talk about the fears that stop families from fostering, the power of proximity to change hearts, and the small acts that mean everything, like cooking a peach cobbler with a nervous 17-year-old who just needs to be seen. If you’ve ever wondered how to help, this conversation offers clear steps: get informed about local foster numbers, consider taking foster classes, tour or volunteer at a nearby Isaiah 117 House, or donate to keep pantries stocked and beds ready. Foster care is hard, but communities are not powerless. With practical compassion and a home that feels like one, we can give kids safety and dignity on the day they need it most. Enjoyed the conversation? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who cares about kids and community. Your share might be the nudge someone needs to say yes. 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.

    31 min

  7. 11/20/2025

    How A Former California Agent Discovered Turnkey Manufactured Living And Closed Early With Benchmark

    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.

    22 min

  8. 10/29/2025

    Rates, Confidence, And The 2026 Housing Outlook

    Mortgage headlines are loud, but the real story is quieter: confidence. We dig into why builder confidence is rising while buyer confidence stalls, how the Fed’s long “sugar high” of quantitative easing set us up for today’s rates, and what a softer jobs market—amplified by AI hiring freezes—means for mortgages over the next 6 to 12 months. No fluff, just a grounded look at the forces moving your payment and your plan. Steve Reed joins us to unpack the data behind rate direction, explain why 3 percent mortgages aren’t coming back, and outline a realistic path from the mid-sixes toward the mid-fives if inflation keeps cooling. We talk through first-time buyer pain points—student loans, income thresholds, PMI—and the practical levers that still work: zero-down USDA where eligible, state assistance, smarter down payments to avoid PMI, and credit optimization that moves the needle. The message isn’t “buy now at all costs.” It’s build a strategy that fits your rent, your reserves, and your timeline, then move with confidence. We also examine the government shutdown’s ripple effects on lending. In flood zones, stalled federal insurance snarls closings; elsewhere, FHA, VA, and USDA pipelines can slow even as well-capitalized lenders keep funding. The broader risk is timing and trust. In markets like Northeast Tennessee where inventory is tight and in-migration is strong, prices are unlikely to roll over even if rates ease—so waiting for both cheaper money and cheaper homes may be a myth. Looking to 2026, we see cautious optimism: steadier rates, more inventory, and better affordability at the margins. If you want a mortgage plan, not a guess, we’re here to help. Subscribe, share this with someone on the fence, and leave a review telling us your biggest barrier to buying right now. 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.

    31 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Jonathan Tipton, Steve Reed & Christine Reed
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    70
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Tipton Reed Mortgage Team - Benchmark Home Loans
  • Show Website
    Benchmark Happenings