Argent Mortgage Enters Relationship with PGA Tour Professional Chris DiMarco.

IRVINE, Calif. -- Argent Mortgage, a leading national mortgage lender, has entered into a promotional relationship with PGA Tour Professional Chris DiMarco. The agreement became effective on the eve of his compelling and highly acclaimed performance at the 2005 Masters Championship, where he came within one stroke of winning the tournament.

While the complete terms of the agreement were not disclosed, the relationship includes Argent Mortgage logo exposure on DiMarco's golf apparel during PGA Tour tournaments, use of DiMarco's image for Argent branding and promotion and a hospitality component.

DiMarco currently ranks No. 7 on the Official World Golf Ranking and has finished in the top 20 on the PGA Tour money list for five straight seasons (No. 12 in 2004). He is represented by IMG, a leading sports and lifestyle management and marketing firm.

"We couldn't have asked for better timing. Just as we finalized the sponsorship agreement, Chris gave a phenomenal performance at The Masters," said Jeff Gillis, executive vice president of operations for Argent Mortgage. "Chris' final round at Augusta was a perfect example of his unyielding determination and ability to compete under enormous pressure. He is a true inspiration to all of us at Argent, as well as the independent mortgage brokers we serve. It is an honor to be working with him."

Commenting on the agreement, DiMarco said: "I am excited about joining Team Argent, and carrying the torch for Argent Mortgage on the tour. I am looking forward to matching the success of other Team Argent athletes and the Argent organization."

With this announcement, DiMarco becomes the newest member of Team Argent, Argent Mortgage Company(R)'s sports sponsorship program. Established in 2003, Team Argent provides the company an opportunity to draw parallels to the characteristics that help Argent Mortgage provide the best possible support for the independent mortgage brokers it serves -- including teamwork, determination and innovation. Other members of Team Argent include 2004 Indy 500 winner Buddy Rice, Indy rookie Danica Patrick, U.S. Open Champion Jim Furyk, and Michael Phelps, who led the '04 Olympics with eight medals -- six gold and two bronze. Argent also is the official mortgage company for the Indy Racing League and the Indy 500, and is the presenting sponsor of the 2005 Belmont Stakes.

About Argent Mortgage Company

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Argent Mortgage Company is a leading national mortgage lender. The company works exclusively with independent mortgage brokers and bankers across the country through loan processing centers in California, Illinois and New York. For more information about Argent Mortgage or to locate an independent mortgage broker near you, visit the company's Web site at www.argentloans.com.