Ratings include all 248 reviews. Reviews collected directly from clients are shown only with their permission.
We had a wonderful experience working with Bill and his entire staff! They were professional, knowledgeable, responsive, and incredibly helpful throughout the entire mortgage process. Bill made everything easy to understand and was always available to answer our questions and keep us informed. His staff was just as helpful and made the entire process smooth from start to finish.
We truly appreciate all of their hard work and would highly recommend Bill and his team to anyone looking for a mortgage lender. Excellent service and a great team!
Response from Owner
Kathleen, it was an absolute pleasure guiding you through your home loan journey. My team and I always aim to make the process as seamless and clear as possible, so it's wonderful to hear we hit the mark. Thank you for placing your trust in us, and I hope you're enjoying your new chapter!
My family and I cannot say enough great things about Bill Clayton and the entire team at Benchmark Mortgage.
From the very beginning, Bill treated us like family rather than just another customer. He worked tirelessly to help us get approved for our home loan and guided us through every step of the process. What truly set him apart was that he never encouraged us to settle for the bare minimum. Instead, he worked alongside us to achieve the best possible outcome and the interest rate we were hoping for.
Bill went above and beyond by helping buy down our interest rate to get us where we needed to be, which was instrumental in helping us meet the debt-to-income requirements for our loan. His commitment to our success never wavered, and it was clear that his goal was not simply to close a loan, but to ensure that we could comfortably afford our home and build a strong financial future.
Beyond the mortgage process itself, Bill has provided valuable financial guidance and has always been willing to answer questions, offer advice, and go the extra mile whenever needed. That level of dedication is rare to find.
The entire Benchmark Mortgage team was professional, responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about our family’s success. Thanks to their hard work, we are now homeowners, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
If you’re looking for a lender who truly has your best interests at heart, I highly recommend Bill Clayton and the Benchmark Mortgage team. They exceeded every expectation and made what could have been a stressful process into an incredible experience.
Thank you, Bill and the entire Benchmark Mortgage team, for helping our family achieve the dream of homeownership!
Response from Owner
Your positive experience means everything. Helping your family achieve homeownership and a strong financial future is exactly what Bill and the Benchmark Mortgage team strive for.
Bill was awesome and so easy to work with! He kept us well informed and was extremely proactive throughout the entire process. He is very knowledgeable and clearly very experienced! My wife and I could not recommend him more!
Bill and the team at Benchmark are amazing! Bill took the time to sit down and explain options and details about my VA home loan that made buying my new home easy! They really went to work for me and kept my best interests at heart!!
Bill Clayton and his entire team at Benchmark made our dream of owning a home a reality! They were the most professional, kind, helpful, joyful and efficient people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. They made the process of buying our first home understandable and enjoyable. They met with us and communicated with us throughout the entire process; helping us to gather documents and everything we needed along the way. They helped us stay within our budget and explained everything to thoroughly each step of the way. I would recommend them to anyone who is looking to purchase or refinance a home.
Had the final closing disclosure with my lender today and I’m still blown away how easily, quickly, and smoothly they handled everything for me after dealing with what a couple other lenders did to me destroying my trust. I knew I was in a better situation the day I called Bill at Benchmark Mortgage after looking up lenders on Google and he requested I come in the office to sit down and meet in person to go over all the options rather than just picking one like most others do. That says a lot about a lender who wants to meet you and know you in person these days as well as including me on loan decisions. He had a team of three or four other people who stayed in close contact throughout the process, never neglected to return a call or email answering questions and personally reassured me when I was worried about losing more money than I already had when I was dealing with previous lenders. They did most of the work and took a lot of stress off me with my work schedule and now I’m finally closing on a house which took less than 30 days. Can’t speak highly enough for Bill and his team.
What started as a phone call to Bill to see about accessing some of our equity to make a couple of home improvements turned into a quick and easy cash out refi. Now we are paying off debt we’d already amassed, lowering our interest rate, planning to make the money we are saving each month work for us, along with having the cash to make those improvements! Satisfied in Seale, The Grabis’s
Response from Owner
Sherrie, thank you for the kind words. It was truly a pleasure working with you and your family.
What started as a conversation about using some of your home equity for home improvements turned into a much stronger financial strategy. Through a cash-out refinance here in Columbus, GA, we were able to consolidate debt, improve your overall financial position, and create a plan that puts you on a path to potentially pay off your home in about 15 years.
This is exactly how I approach my role as a mortgage advisor in Columbus, Georgia, helping homeowners use home equity, refinancing options, and smart mortgage planning to strengthen their financial position and work toward long-term goals.
Thank you again for trusting me and Benchmark Mortgage in Columbus, GA to guide you through the refinance process. I’m grateful for the opportunity to help homeowners throughout Columbus and the surrounding communities make confident decisions with their mortgage and home equity.
Bill Clayton
Mortgage Advisor | Benchmark Mortgage
Columbus, GA
NMLS #151125
Bill Clayton and the team were extremely helpful every step of the process. I’ve worked with other morgage company and this has been the most helpful and less stressful experience ever.
Response from Owner
Cartavius, thank you for the kind words. It was truly an honor working with you and helping you through the homebuying process.
As a veteran using your VA home loan benefit, I’m grateful you trusted me and the team to guide you through the process. Our goal is always to make the mortgage experience as smooth and stress-free as possible, and I’m glad we were able to do that for you every step of the way.
Helping veterans and military families navigate their VA home loan options in Columbus, GA is something I take great pride in.
Thank you again for trusting Benchmark Mortgage in Columbus, Georgia with your home financing.
Bill Clayton
Mortgage Advisor | Benchmark Mortgage
Columbus, GA
NMLS #151125
We have worked with Bill and his team several times in the past two years. They always go the extra mile, they are extremely knowledgeable, responsive and have a customer first focus. Highly recommend
Response from Owner
Sarah, thank you for the kind words and for continuing to trust me and my team. It truly means a lot when clients come back to us multiple times over the years.
Our goal is always to provide clear guidance, strong communication, and the level of service people deserve when making important decisions about their home financing. I’m grateful we’ve been able to help you several times and make the mortgage process smooth and stress-free each time.
Thank you again for trusting Benchmark Mortgage in Columbus, GA. It’s always a pleasure helping homeowners in Columbus, Georgia and the surrounding communities with their home loans and refinancing needs.
Bill Clayton
Mortgage Advisor | Benchmark Mortgage
Columbus, GA
NMLS #151125
Very great experience with Benchmark Mortgages. Bill Clayton (is who I worked with) and his team answered every question before it could be asked. As a young adult (Veteran), looking for my first home, I couldn’t have felt more secure and comfortable with there process and communication throughout. Big thanks to everyone (Bill, Rose, Nicole) and will recommend anyone to Benchmark Mortgages!
Response from Owner
Ben, thank you for the kind words and for your service. It was an honor helping you purchase your first home.
Buying your first home can feel like a big step, especially as a young veteran using your VA home loan benefit, and I’m glad our team was able to make the process clear, smooth, and comfortable for you from start to finish. Communication is something we take seriously, so I’m glad you felt informed and supported throughout the entire process.
Thank you again for trusting me, Rose, Nicole, and the team at Benchmark Mortgage in Columbus, GA. Helping veterans and first-time homebuyers navigate their VA home loan options in Columbus, Georgia is something we take great pride in.
Bill Clayton
Mortgage Advisor | Benchmark Mortgage
Columbus, GA
NMLS #151125
Bill, Rose, and the entire team has been absolutely amazing through this process. They fought for us and helped us until we had the keys to our dream home in our hands. Thank you is simply not enough!!
Response from Owner
Thank you so much, Mrs Mayer. It truly means a lot to hear this from you. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with you and be part of such an important moment. Helping make the process clear, smooth, and stress-free is always the goal. Wishing you many great memories in your new home!
Very thankful for Bill and his team for helping me get my first house!
Response from Owner
Thank you so much! We truly appreciate you trusting us to help you with your first home. It was a pleasure working with you, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to be part of such an exciting milestone. Wishing you many great memories in your new home!
Bill and his team are the upper echelon of the game. It's no way I get funded without them. I checked 5 stars up top but benchmark is cheating themselves. They are 20 stars out of 10!!! Rose and Bill, Thank you again! #1sttimehomeowner
Response from Owner
Brian, thank you so much for the kind words. That means a lot to me and the entire team. We’re grateful for the trust you placed in us and honored to help you reach your first-time homeownership goal. Wishing you nothing but great memories and success in your new home!
Meeting the benchmark mortgage was a stroke of luck and happiness for me. If you have any relatives or friends around you, I would definitely recommend it.
Response from Owner
Mr. Park, thank you so much for your kind words. We truly appreciate your trust and the opportunity to be part of such an important moment for you.
Bill will sit down with you and explain the whole loan process and make sure that you understand it. He and his team are extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. I highly, highly recommend.
Response from Owner
Anne, thank you so much for the kind words and recommendation. It truly means a lot to me and the team. Making sure everything is clear and you feel confident every step of the way is always the goal. We really appreciate your trust!
Mr. Clayton, and his team, were professional, informative, pro-active, and empathetic. They made sure I understood the process of what was and would occur throughout my loan experience. If I had to do it again, I would use Benchmark Mortgage, and I highly recommend him, and his team, to others who may be in need of such services.
Response from Owner
Dr. Smith, thank you so much for taking the time to share this. It truly means a lot to me and the team to know you felt informed, supported, and cared for throughout the process. We’re grateful for the trust you placed in us and for your kind recommendation.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Gold Standard of Mortgage Lenders!
I cannot speak highly enough of my experience with Benchmark Mortgage during my recent home purchase. From the very first phone call to the closing table, I was treated with an exceptional level of professionalism, respect, and personalized attention. This team truly defines what 5-star service should be.
The process was not only smooth and stress-free but also incredibly efficient. My loan officer and their team were masters of communication—they clearly explained every step, answered all my questions (no matter how small), and kept me fully informed of my loan status in real-time. I never had to worry about what was coming next.
They went above and beyond to ensure I had the best possible mortgage option for my needs, demonstrating deep knowledge and integrity. Because of their hard work, dedication, and promptness, we were able to close on time (or even early!).
If you are looking for a mortgage company that will treat you like a valued client, work tirelessly on your behalf, and deliver a seamless home-buying experience, look no further than Benchmark Mortgage. I highly recommend them to anyone, and I will absolutely be using them for any future mortgage needs.
Response from Owner
Clarence, thank you for taking the time to share this. I truly appreciate your trust and the opportunity to walk alongside you from start to finish. Knowing you felt informed, respected, and taken care of every step of the way means a great deal to me and the team. We’re grateful for the chance to serve you and look forward to helping you anytime you need us.
Bill Clayton is truly one of the most exceptional loan officers I’ve ever worked with. He understands what it means to be a true team player—consistently keeping everyone informed and ensuring smooth, clear communication among all parties involved. In this business, surrounding yourself and your clients with the right team is crucial; otherwise, what should be one of the biggest and most exciting purchases of someone’s life can quickly become a disappointment. Bill not only strives to exceed expectations—he genuinely delivers. In our most recent contract, we needed an incredibly fast closing for a client who had already been through a lot. It felt nearly impossible, especially right in the middle of the holidays…but Bill made it happen and closed the loan in just two weeks.
He knows what it takes to get things done and will always go above and beyond to make it happen.
Response from Owner
Sandi, thank you so much for this thoughtful review. It truly means a lot coming from you, especially knowing how much you care about your clients. I appreciate the trust you place in me, and I’m grateful we were able to come together as a team to get this one across the finish line. Always happy to go the extra mile when it matters most.
Mr. Bill and his team worked tirelessly to help me become a homeowner. They stepped in and supported me when no one else would, guiding me through every step of the process with care and dedication. Thanks to their commitment and efficiency, I was able to close in just 16 days. I am truly grateful for their exceptional service and highly recommend them to anyone looking to purchase a home.
Response from Owner
Desminique, thank you so much for trusting us and for sharing this. It truly means a lot to know we were able to step in, support you, and help you reach homeownership. I’m grateful for the opportunity to walk with you through the process, and I appreciate your kind recommendation. Wishing you all the best in your new home!
Bill asked us in the beginning what we wanted from this experience. We explained we just want the facts and to keep it as simple as possible. Bill and his team executed just that and we were very pleased with the whole experience. Very simple. But informative. Will recommend anyone looking for a home to Bill and his team. Thanks guys!
Response from Owner
Randy, thank you for sharing this. I really appreciate you trusting us and being clear about what you wanted from the start. Keeping things simple, factual, and transparent is always the goal. We’re very thankful for you and excited for you guys!!
This was our second time purchasing a home with Benchmark. Bill and his team provided another excellent experience with obtaining a loan. Very top-notch team, always professional and ready to help.
Response from Owner
Steven, thank you so much for trusting us again. It truly means a lot to work with you for a second time. I appreciate the kind words about the team, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to help once again.
Goes the extra mile. His team genuinely cares and is extremely responsiveness.
Response from Owner
Jose, thank you so much for the kind words. We truly appreciate your trust and are grateful for the opportunity to serve you. Going the extra mile and being responsive is always the goal, and it means a lot to hear that came through.
Bill and Amelia were beyond words. I was fortunate enough to have them in my corner when purchasing my home during a move from Colorado. It made the entire process seem less. Allowing me to focus on other aspects of moving. Couldn’t be happier of the choice to work with Bill and Amelia.
Response from Owner
Eldon, thank you so much for the kind words. I truly appreciate you allowing us to serve you during such a big move, especially relocating from out of state. Helping make the process feel simpler so you could focus on everything else was exactly the goal. It means a lot to have been part of it.
We had some major changes and breakdowns during the loan process and Benchmark was able to figure it out and pull it through to the end, got us a great home and customer service, courtesy, politeness, respect, and helpfulness was top-notch. Thanks guys take care hope to work with you again sometime.
Response from Owner
Tim, thank you for taking the time to share this. I truly appreciate you allowing us to serve you through a process that had its share of challenges. We worked through them together, and I’m grateful for your trust and teamwork along the way. It was a pleasure helping you get into a great home.
The entire process was easy to understand and they took care of us by proving excellent communication and customer service. They gave us all our options and talked thru every scenario with us. We had to make the choice they couldn’t sway us in one direction or the other. But due to the information they shared it was easy for us to find the right choice for us.
Response from Owner
Laura, thank you so much for taking the time to share this. I truly appreciate you allowing us to serve you. Walking through the options and making sure you felt informed and confident in your decision is always the goal. I’m grateful we could support you in finding the right choice for you.
If you’re a first time home buyer, or just looking for a person who specializes in VA Loans to help guide you through the entire process, I highly suggest you give Bill & his team a call! We just moved to Columbus a few months ago & I really wish I had called Bill before I signed a year lease with a property manager here. Bill sat me down and answered a lot of my questions, before I even asked him the question! Bill & his team is highly organized, friendly & all on the same page!
Response from Owner
Jackie, thank you so much for taking the time to share this. I truly appreciate you trusting us, especially during a move to a new area. I’m glad we were able to sit down, walk through your questions, and help bring some clarity to the process. It means a lot to hear the team’s organization and support stood out. We’re excited to be a resource for you anytime you need us.
Mr. Bill Clayton and his team helped my wife and I purchase our very first home back in 2012. I was working overseas in Afghanistan and he helped my wife navigate through this purchase seamlessly during a time where my wife was initially receiving a lot of run around from others. By the time I returned in February, I was walking into our brand new home!
Response from Owner
Jarvis, thank you so much for sharing this. It truly means a lot that you and your wife trusted us during such a unique and challenging time. I’m grateful we were able to support your wife while you were overseas and help make the process as smooth as possible. Welcome home, and thank you again for allowing us to be part of such an important moment for your family.
Worked with Bill and his team during our buying process. Bill spent time with us on many occasions and was always willing to answer any questions or emails. Helped us understand the process and gave us very valuable advice about use of funds to not only purchase our house but also to create lasting financial security. He explained about mortgages and debt in a way I never would have thought of and as such helps my family be in a better financial position for the future.
The entire process was extremely easy, the items needed are done digitally and made life so easy to just upload to the web site when needed.
We had some questions about closing days before, and Amelia was available and answered every question and worked to ensure we were comfortable with everything.
Previously we bought through a different company, and the difference is staggering. With Bill and benchmark we didn’t feel like a number on a spreadsheet and instead felt valued and respected.
Five stars doesn’t do this justice honestly. Ten stars should be an option for how smooth, easy and stress free this process was.
I would happily work with Bill and his team again should the need ever arise.
Thank you Bill, Amelia, and the rest of the team.
Response from Owner
Stan, thank you so much for taking the time to share this. It truly means a lot to know you felt valued, respected, and supported throughout the process. Helping families understand how their mortgage decisions connect to long-term financial security is exactly why I do this, and I’m grateful you trusted us with that conversation. I appreciate the opportunity to serve you and your family, and I’m thankful to know the experience made such a lasting impact.
Everyone involved was super helpful and we never had a question that wasn’t answered immediately
Response from Owner
Harrison, thank you so much for the kind words. We truly appreciate you allowing us to serve you, and I’m glad the team was able to be there whenever questions came up.
I worked with Bill and his team to buy my first house after just moving to Columbus. The team was absolutely fantastic. As a first time home buyer, it was important to me to find a lender that explained the process and helped me make the best decision both financially and for my home. From the moment I started, Bill explained the process, showed different loan options to see which was best for me, and was communicative the entire time. Someone from the team was always available to answer questions whenever they came up. Thankfully, we were able to get everything ready to go a week before closing! All in all, the process was a breeze and I would highly recommend anyone, especially first time buyers, to consider Bill and his team!
Response from Owner
Stephanie, thank you so much for taking the time to share this. I truly appreciate you allowing us to serve you, especially as a first-time buyer relocating to a new area. Helping you understand the process, explore your options, and feel confident in your decision was always the goal. I’m grateful we could make the experience smooth and get everything wrapped up early. Wishing you many great memories in your new home!
Bill and his team went above and beyond to help my family during the process of purchasing our new home. His expertise and knowledge gave us confidence every step of the way. The team was always quick to respond and kept us updated throughout. I would highly recommend Bill and his team to anyone.
Response from Owner
Kyle, thank you so much for the kind words. I truly appreciate you allowing us to serve your family. Helping you feel confident and supported every step of the way is always the goal. We’re grateful for the recommendation and were honored to be part of your home purchase.
I cannot say enough good things about Benchmark and their team. They consistently go above and beyond, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise. What sets them apart is that they’re not just focused on getting you a loan—they genuinely care about your best interest.
Response from Owner
Jennifer, thank you so much for sharing this. I truly appreciate you allowing us to serve you. Looking out for our clients’ best interests and helping them make informed decisions is always the priority, and it means a lot to hear that came through. We’re grateful for your trust.
We bought our house with the thanks of Bill Clayton and his team about 3 years ago.Which was an amazing experience with Bill and his team! I decided to reach out to Bill today because I had some budget questions to ask him about finance and budgets etc. Bill took his time explaining everything down to the smallest detail and answering any questions we had along the way. Bill even sent spreadsheets and templates for us to utilize and help explain things better. Thanks again for everything you all do Bill! The team always goes above and beyond to take care of their customer as like family.
Response from Owner
Justin, thank you so much for sharing this. I truly appreciate you reaching back out and trusting us again, even years after your purchase. Helping you think through budgets and options and making sure everything is clear is always important to me. I’m grateful for your trust and kind words, and we’re always here whenever you need us.
MR Bill and his team were outstanding, he was able to help my dad with a loan for his house and helped me and my wife with ours, very professional, honest and made sure we understood every part of the process.
Response from Owner
Pablo, thank you so much for the kind words. It truly means a lot to be trusted by your family, and I appreciate the opportunity to help both your dad and you and your wife. Making sure everything is clear and understood is always the priority. We’re grateful for your trust and support.
Benchmark Mortgage helped me figure out the mortgage plan that worked best for me and to understand it. I really feel like they put a lot of thought and hard work into getting me the best rate and making sure I knew exactly what to do for the plan to work out the best for me. They also worked really hard to close in a really short period of time on the exact house I wanted even with some hurdles thrown at them along the way.
Response from Owner
Ryan, thank you so much for sharing this. I truly appreciate you allowing us to serve you. Taking the time to build the right plan, explain it clearly, and work through any hurdles to get you into the home you wanted is always the goal. I’m grateful for your trust and glad we could make it happen.
This was my first time buying a home and applying for a mortgage. I applied and worked with 2 other lenders and compared what they offered, numbers, service and simplicity of completing this difficult process and hands down Benchmark took the win. They held my hand the entire way and were very informative which was important to me being inexperienced and dealing with life at the same time. Great people all around, couldn’t have asked for a better home buying experience.
Response from Owner
Erion, thank you for trusting us with your first home purchase. I know that’s a big step, especially with everything else life throws at you. I’m grateful we could walk alongside you, keep things simple, and help you feel confident along the way. It truly means a lot.
