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	<title>Drew McKinney</title>
	<link>http://www.drewmckinney.com</link>
	<description>Drew's Home on the Web</description>
	<pubDate>Thu, 06 May 2010 15:40:33 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program: Overview</title>
		<link>http://www.drewmckinney.com/?p=22</link>
		<comments>http://www.drewmckinney.com/?p=22#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 06 May 2010 15:23:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Drew</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Mortgage News/Info</category>
		<guid>http://www.drewmckinney.com/?p=22</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[	In an effort to reduce the rising number of foreclosures in the U.S., the Treasury Department introduced a new federal program that makes it easier to process a short sale for people unable to keep their homes.
Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) streamlines the process for doing a short sale or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure for distressed [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[	<p><font face="Tms Rmn"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial"><font size="3">In an effort to reduce the rising number of foreclosures in the U.S., the Treasury Department introduced a new federal program that makes it easier to process a short sale for people unable to keep their homes.</font></span></font></p>
<font face="Tms Rmn"></font><font face="Tms Rmn"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial"><font size="3">Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) streamlines the process for doing a short sale or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure for distressed homeowners who do not qualify for a federal home loan modification through the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) or have missed consecutive payments after a modification.</font></span></font><font face="Tms Rmn"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial"><font size="3">
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: arial"><font size="3">The HAFA program started April 5, 2010, and ends December 31, 2012. Federal rules require servicers participating in HAMP to implement HAFA. The new program also requires borrowers to be released fully from future liabilities related to their first mortgage, including cash contributions, promissory notes and deficiency judgments.</font></span></p>
</font></span>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: arial"><font size="3">Participation in HAFA cannot save homeowners from losing their property, but it can eliminate the effects of a foreclosure on their credit. Financial incentives for program participation include a $1,000 servicing bonus for lenders and a $1,500 relocation bonus for displaced homeowners. Lenders of other subordinate liens (e.g., HELOCs) may be allowed to keep a limited portion of the proceeds (up to $3,000 each) of a short sale, with the first-lien lender&rsquo;s approval.</font></span></p>
	<p><span style="color: black; font-family: arial"><font size="3">HAFA is designed for homeowners who have applied to HAMP for assistance but have had no success with their loan modification program. To participate in HAFA, homeowners must still meet HAMP&rsquo;s eligibility criteria: home is principal residence; first-lien mortgage is in delinquency or default is reasonably foreseeable; loan closed before January 1, 2009; unpaid balance is under $729,750; and the mortgage payment is over 31% of gross income.</font></span></p>
	<p><font size="3"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial">For more information on HAFA, go to the following link: </span><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: arial"><a href="https://www.hmpadmin.com//portal/programs/foreclosure_alternatives.html" target="_blank">hmpadmin.com/portal/programs/foreclosure_alternatives.html</a></span></u></font></p>
	<p class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><u /></font></p>
	<p class="MsoNormal"><font color="#000000" size="3"><span style="color: blue; font-family: arial">For more information please contact Drew McKinney at 952-582-5033</span></font></p>
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		<title>Updated Home Buyer Tax Credit</title>
		<link>http://www.drewmckinney.com/?p=21</link>
		<comments>http://www.drewmckinney.com/?p=21#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:09:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Drew</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Mortgage News/Info</category>
		<guid>http://www.drewmckinney.com/?p=21</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[	
$8,000 First-time Home Buyer Tax Credit
	&#183;&#160;&#160; The $8,000 tax credit is for first-time home buyers only. For the tax credit program, the IRS defines a first-time home buyer as someone who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. 

&#183;&#160;&#160; The tax credit does not have to be repaid. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[	<p><strong><font face="Tms Rmn" color="#0060a0" size="4"><font face="Tms Rmn" color="#0060a0" size="4"><font face="Tms Rmn" color="#0060a0" size="4">
<p>$8,000 First-time Home Buyer Tax Credit</p>
	<p><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2"><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2"><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp; </font></font></font><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3"><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3"><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3">The $8,000 tax credit is for first-time home buyers only. For the tax credit program, the IRS defines a first-time home buyer as someone who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. </font></font></font></p>
</font></font></font></strong>
<p><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2"><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2"><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp; </font></font></font><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3"><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3"><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3">The tax credit does not have to be repaid. </font></font></font></p>
	<p><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2"><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2"><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp; </font></font></font><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3"><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3"><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3">The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home&rsquo;s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000. </font></font></font></p>
	<p><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2"><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2"><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp; </font></font></font><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3"><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3"><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3">The tax credit applies only to homes priced at $800,000 or less. </font></font></font></p>
	<p><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2"><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2"><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp; </font></font></font><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3"><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3"><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3">The tax credit now applies to sales occurring on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. However, in cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, a home purchase completed by June 30, 2010 will qualify. </font></font></font></p>
	<p><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2"><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2"><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp; </font></font></font><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3"><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3"><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3">For homes purchased on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before November 6, 2009, the income limits are $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly. </font></font></font></p>
	<p><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2"><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2"><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp; </font></font></font><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3"><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3"><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3">For homes purchased after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010, single taxpayers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full tax credit. </font></font></font></p>
<strong><font face="Tms Rmn" color="#0060a0" size="4"><font face="Tms Rmn" color="#0060a0" size="4"><font face="Tms Rmn" color="#0060a0" size="4">
<p>The $6,500 Move-Up / Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credit</p>
	<p><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2"><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2"><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp; </font></font></font><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3"><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3"><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3">To be eligible to claim the tax credit, buyers must have owned and lived in their previous home for five consecutive years out of the last eight years. </font></font></font></p>
</font></font></font></strong>
<p><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2"><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2"><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp; </font></font></font><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3"><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3"><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3">The tax credit does not have to be repaid. </font></font></font></p>
	<p><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2"><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2"><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp; </font></font></font><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3"><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3"><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3">The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home&rsquo;s purchase price up to a maximum of $6,500. </font></font></font></p>
	<p><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2"><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2"><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp; </font></font></font><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3"><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3"><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3">The tax credit applies only to homes priced at $800,000 or less. </font></font></font></p>
	<p><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2"><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2"><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp; </font></font></font><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3"><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3"><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3">The credit is available for homes purchased after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. However, in cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, the home purchase qualifies provided it is completed by June 30, 2010. </font></font></font></p>
<font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2"><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2"><font face="Symbol" color="#2f2f2f" size="2">
<p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp; <font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3"><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3"><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3">Single taxpayers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full tax credit. </font></font></font></p>
</font></font></font><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3"><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3"><font face="Arial" color="#2f2f2f" size="3">
<p><strong>Call Drew McKinney today to get pre-approved for your new home purchase 952-582-5033!</strong></p>
	<p>Remember&nbsp;Drew McKinney&nbsp;for your&nbsp;home financing&nbsp;needs in Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin.</p>
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		<title>Home Purchase Basics</title>
		<link>http://www.drewmckinney.com/?p=20</link>
		<comments>http://www.drewmckinney.com/?p=20#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2009 20:54:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Drew</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Mortgage News/Info</category>
		<guid>http://www.drewmckinney.com/?p=20</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[	Congratulations on your decision to buy a new home! There are many important things to consider throughout the process, especially if you&#8217;re a first-time homebuyer. Here&#8217;s some information that will keep you on track. 
	In General&#8230;. 
	A home purchase may be your largest financial transaction to date, so it&#8217;s important to make the right decisions [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[	<p>Congratulations on your decision to buy a new home! There are many important things to consider throughout the process, especially if you&rsquo;re a first-time homebuyer. Here&rsquo;s some information that will keep you on track. </p>
	<p><strong>In General&hellip;. </strong></p>
	<p>A home purchase may be your largest financial transaction to date, so it&rsquo;s important to make the right decisions and to keep an eye on the details. With the assistance of your Real Estate Agent and Drew McKinney, it should be an efficient, pleasant, and ultimately rewarding experience. </p>
	<p><strong>Count On Your Real Estate Agent To: </strong></p>
	<ol>
<li>Preview available homes to weed out those that are overpriced, or undesirable in some other way. </li>
	<li>Present the homes that suit your needs as you&rsquo;ve defined them. </li>
	<li>Help you determine the difference between a &quot;good buy&quot; and a property which, because of its nature (neighborhood, market appeal, etc.), might have to be discounted if you decide to sell in the future. </li>
	<li>Negotiate the best deal for you. With a Pre-Qualification letter from&nbsp;me in hand, your Real Estate Agent will be able to demonstrate that you are a qualified and capable borrower. This will strongly influence the Seller, and may make the difference between the Seller accepting your offer or someone else&rsquo;s &mdash; even if your offer is lower! </li>
</ol>
	<p><strong>Count On&nbsp;Drew McKinney&nbsp;To: </strong></p>
	<ol>
<li>Assist you in selecting the best loan to meet your personal situation and goals. (This single decision can save you thousands of dollars throughout the years!) </li>
	<li>Keep you informed of your loan status throughout the entire process. </li>
	<li>Keep your Real Estate Agent informed of our loan progress (Note: your personal information is always kept confidential between you and us; only deal points and progress are shared). </li>
	<li>Get the appropriate loan for you at the best rates and fees. This will save you significant money &quot;up front&quot; and throughout the years to come. </li>
</ol>
	<p><strong>Count On Yourself To: </strong></p>
	<ol>
<li>Keep your Real Estate Agent informed of any questions or concerns as they develop. </li>
	<li>Keep the process moving by providing documentation and decisions as soon as reasonably possible. By doing so, many of the details are taken care of early in the process so you can comfortably concentrate on any last-minute details or events that require your attention. </li>
	<li>Enjoy purchasing your home, but do remain objective throughout &mdash; to make the business decisions that are best for you. </li>
	<li>Make sure you are pre-approved as early as possible. This will put the power of financing behind you so you can concentrate on selecting your home. </li>
</ol>
	<p><strong>Call Drew McKinney today to get pre-approved for your new home purchase 952-582-5033!</strong></p>
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		<title>Home Affordable Refinance</title>
		<link>http://www.drewmckinney.com/?p=19</link>
		<comments>http://www.drewmckinney.com/?p=19#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2009 18:21:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Drew</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Mortgage News/Info</category>
		<guid>http://www.drewmckinney.com/?p=19</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[	Home Affordable Refinance
If you are a homeowner who is current on your mortgage payments but unable to refinance to a lower interest rate because your home value has decreased, you may be able to refinance.Do I qualify for a Making Home Affordable refinance? Answer these questions:1.&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Is your home your primary residence? 2.&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Do you [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[	<p><font face="Times New Roman"><strong><font size="3">Home Affordable Refinance</font></strong></font></p>
<font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman"><br /></font>If you are a homeowner who is current on your mortgage payments but unable to refinance to a lower interest rate because your home value has decreased, you may be able to refinance.<br />Do I qualify for a Making Home Affordable refinance? Answer these questions:<br />1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Is your home your primary residence? <br />2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Do you have a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loan? If you don&rsquo;t know contact:&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fannie Mae,&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.fanniemae.com/homeaffordable" target="_blank">www.fanniemae.com/homeaffordable</a>&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Freddie Mac&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.freddiemac.com/avoidforeclosure/" target="_blank">www.freddiemac.com/avoidforeclosure/</a> <br />3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Are you current on your mortgage payments?&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Current&rdquo; means that you haven&rsquo;t been more than 30-days late on your mortgage payment in the last 12 months. <br />4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Do you believe that the amount you owe on your first mortgage is about the same or less than the current value of your house? <br /></font></font><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
<p><font face="Times New Roman"><strong>What do I do next?</strong></font></p>
<font face="Times New Roman"><br />If you answered yes to all of these questions, you may qualify for a Home Affordable Refinance. The next step is to gather the information you will need to provide to your lender. This includes:<br /></font><font face="Times New Roman">
<ul>
<li>Information about the monthly gross (before tax) income of your household, including recent pay stubs if you receive them or documentation of income you receive from other sources. </li>
	<li>Your most recent income tax return. </li>
	<li>Information about any second mortgage on the house. </li>
	<li>Account balances and minimum monthly payments due on all of your credit cards. </li>
	<li>Account balances and monthly payments on all your other debts such as student loans and car loans. </li>
</ul>
	<p>After you have this information, you should <strong>call Drew McKinney at M&amp;I Bank, 952-582-5033</strong> and ask about the Home Affordable Refinance application process.</p>
	<p><strong>Please be patient<br /></strong>M&amp;I Bank is just getting the detailed program requirements and it may take time before they are ready to accept applications.</p>
	<p><strong>What if I am not eligible for a Home Affordable Refinance?<br /></strong>If you did not answer yes to all of the questions above, you may be eligible for a Home Affordable Modification.<br /><strong>Making Home Affordable Modifications<br /></strong></p>
	<p>If you can no longer afford to make your monthly loan payments, either because your interest rate has increased or you have less income or you are experiencing a hardship that has increased your expenses (like medical bills), you may qualify for a loan modification to make your monthly mortgage payment more affordable. Millions of borrowers who are current, but having difficulty making their payments and borrowers who have already missed one or more payments may be eligible.</p>
	<p>Do I qualify for a Home Affordable Modification? Answer these questions:<br />1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Is your home your primary residence? <br />2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Is the amount you owe on your first mortgage equal to or less than $729,750? <br />3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Are you having trouble paying your mortgage? For example, have you had a significant increase in your mortgage payment OR&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; reduction in your income since you got your current loan OR have you suffered a hardship that has increased your expenses (like medical bills)? <br />4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Did you get your current mortgage before January 1, 2009? </p>
	<p><strong>What do I do next?</strong></p>
	<p>If you answered yes to all of these questions, you may qualify for a Home Affordable Modification. The next step is to gather the information you will need to provide to your lender. This includes:</p>
	<ul>
<li>Information about the monthly gross (before tax) income of your household, including recent pay stubs if you receive them or documentation of income you receive from other sources. </li>
	<li>Your most recent income tax return. </li>
	<li>Information about your assets </li>
	<li>Information about any second mortgage on the house. </li>
	<li>Account balances and minimum monthly payments due on all of your credit cards. </li>
	<li>Account balances and monthly payments on all your other debts such as student loans and car loans. </li>
	<li>A letter describing the circumstances that caused your income to be reduced or expenses to be increased (job loss, divorce, illness, etc.). </li>
</ul>
	<p>After you have this information, you should<strong> call Drew McKinney at M&amp;I Bank 952-582-5033</strong> and ask to be considered for a Home Affordable Modification.</p>
	<p><strong>Please be patient</strong></p>
	<p>M&amp;I Bank received the detailed program requirements on March 4, 2009 and it may take some time before we are fully operational. However, Treasury has encouraged M&amp;I Bank to immediately assist delinquent borrowers at the greatest risk of foreclosure.</p>
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		<title>Get the best mortgage loan for you</title>
		<link>http://www.drewmckinney.com/?p=18</link>
		<comments>http://www.drewmckinney.com/?p=18#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:39:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Drew</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Mortgage News/Info</category>
		<guid>http://www.drewmckinney.com/?p=18</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[	Get the best mortgage loan for youWhen you decide to buy a home or refinance a mortgage, it&#8217;s a big step. You can trust Drew McKinney to find the loan program that&#8217;s best for you. 
Buying a new home is a source of anxiety, frustration &#8212; and a huge sense of accomplishment. You didn&#8217;t pick [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[	<p><strong><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman">Get the best mortgage loan for you<br /></font></font></strong><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman">When you decide to buy a home or refinance a mortgage, it&#8217;s a big step. You can trust Drew McKinney to find the loan program that&#8217;s best for you. <br /></font></font><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman" /></font><font size="3">
<p><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman"><strong>Buying a new home</strong> is a source of anxiety, frustration &#8212; and a huge sense of accomplishment. You didn&#8217;t pick the house that was best for someone else; you picked the one that&#8217;s right for you! Trust Drew McKinney, your mortgage professional, to find the mortgage loan that best fits your needs. &quot;Less paperwork and more personal attention&quot; means you enter a frustration-free zone from application to decision. Getting the right mortgage loan is like getting the keys to your new house! Drew can help you get there.<br /></font></font><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman" /><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman"><strong>Refinancing your current mortgage</strong> has never been easier. If you thought refinancing meant getting buried under mountains of paperwork, think again!&nbsp; Drew can make it easy and worry-free to reduce your interest rate and monthly payment. He can even help you pay down your balance more quickly for comparable monthly payment. Trust Drew as your mortgage professional and he will guide you to the very best refinanced loan<strong>.<br /></strong></font></font><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman" /></font><font size="3"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman"><strong>Tapping into your home equity</strong> is easier than ever before. You&#8217;ve been paying down your balance, and property values have gone up. Tap into that wealth and reward yourself.&nbsp; Drew will help with the best program to fit your goals.<br /></font></font><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman" /><font size="3"><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman">Drew McKinney gives you the personal attention you deserve and treats you with the respect due a valued customer. He understands you&#8217;re making a commitment in buying a new home, refinancing a mortgage, or cashing out your home equity. So he&rsquo;ll make a commitment to you. Drew will help you qualify, apply and be approved for the right mortgage loan for you. Not someone else!<br /></font></font><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman" /></font><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman">
<p><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman">Please navigate my website to learn more about me, what I can do for you, and how easy it is to get started.</font></font></p>
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		<title>Surviving the Current Mortgage Environment</title>
		<link>http://www.drewmckinney.com/?p=17</link>
		<comments>http://www.drewmckinney.com/?p=17#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:01:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Drew</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Mortgage News/Info</category>
		<guid>http://www.drewmckinney.com/?p=17</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[	Surviving the Current Mortgage Environment

Times have changed in the mortgage business.&#160; About 20 percent of those who easily qualified for loans at competitive mortgage rates just two short years ago will now be turned down.&#160; Those who do qualify are required to pay larger down payments, provide more extensive underwriting documentation and proof of credit [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[	<p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><strong>Surviving the Current Mortgage Environment</strong></font></p>
<font face="Times New Roman" size="3" /><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
<p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Times have changed in the mortgage business.&nbsp; About 20 percent of those who easily qualified for loans at competitive mortgage rates just two short years ago will now be turned down.&nbsp; Those who do qualify are required to pay larger down payments, provide more extensive underwriting documentation and proof of credit worthiness.&nbsp; Here are five quick ideas for surviving the crisis.</font></p>
	<p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><strong>Tip 1:&nbsp;&nbsp; Restructure mortgage priorities;</strong></font></p>
	<p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Rather then shopping for a home and then looking for a loan with the best mortgage rate, reverse the order.&nbsp; Seek out&nbsp;my mortgage service&nbsp;first by select the right loan, and get pre-qualified, or better yet, pre-approved.&nbsp; Pre-approved unlike pre-qualified has underwriting approval for income and assets.&nbsp; Then go house hunting.&nbsp; Mortgage rates may rise in the short term, but those losses will likely be offset by further deterioration in home prices.</font></p>
	<p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><strong>Tip 2:&nbsp; Bolster Credit Scores;</strong></font></p>
	<p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Even if your credit situation hasn&rsquo;t significantly changed since last year, your overall credit score may have moved.&nbsp; A higher score can mean a lower mortgage rate; therefore, check your rating while applying for a loan.&nbsp; Also, review a copy of your credit report to make sure that there aren&rsquo;t any errors.</font></p>
	<p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><strong>Tip 3:&nbsp; Increase your down payment</strong>;</font></p>
	<p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">The best way to get a preferential mortgage rate with less scrutiny is by boosting your equity with a large down payment.&nbsp; But what was considered hefty in the past is not so big today.&nbsp; My lending requires between 3 percent and 5 percent down, and 10 percent isn&rsquo;t uncommon.&nbsp; To get a really great mortgage rate without hassles you may need to ante up as much as 20 to 25 percent.</font></p>
	<p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><strong>Tip 4:&nbsp; Stay in Reality;</strong></font></p>
	<p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Access to the easy money is over, so consumers need to be realistic about their expectation.&nbsp; Homes will likely be appraised at lesser values and ratios of loans to actual equity are more conservative.&nbsp; If you lower your expectations, you&rsquo;ll reduce the chances of disappointment and rejection.</font></p>
	<p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><strong>Tip 5:&nbsp; No Stone Unturned;</strong></font></p>
	<p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">If you qualify, consider our government backed loan programs.&nbsp; The FHA loan program is currently offering attractive mortgage rates with down payments as low as 3 to 5 percent to qualified buyers.</font></p>
	<p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Mortgage rates are stable but could rise in the not too distant future.&nbsp; But all is not lost, good loan are still available to whose who apply with strong credential, but prior planning helps immensely.</font></p>
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		<title>Owner Builder Program</title>
		<link>http://www.drewmckinney.com/?p=15</link>
		<comments>http://www.drewmckinney.com/?p=15#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 29 Feb 2008 21:03:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Drew</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Mortgage News/Info</category>
		<guid>http://www.drewmckinney.com/?p=15</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[	Take charge of your project and lower your costs.
	Hiring a contractor to build your home or help you remodel can cost thousands.&#160; Our unique program allows you to manage your own project and act as your own general contractor - put the money you save toward moving expenses, furniture or anything you like.&#160; 
	When you&#8217;re [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[	<p align="justify"><font color="#4f4f4f" size="2"><strong>Take charge of your project and lower your costs.</strong></font></p>
	<p align="justify"><font color="#4f4f4f" size="2">Hiring a contractor to build your home or help you remodel can cost thousands.&nbsp; Our unique program allows you to manage your own project and act as your own general contractor - put the money you save toward moving expenses, furniture or anything you like.&nbsp; </p>
	<p>When you&#8217;re ready to build, we have the loan</font></p>
	<ul>
<li>
<div align="justify"><font color="#4f4f4f" size="2">Ground-up and major rehabs</font></div>
</li>
	<li>
<div align="justify"><font color="#4f4f4f" size="2">Construction terms from 12 to 24 months</font></div>
</li>
	<li>
<div align="justify"><font color="#4f4f4f" size="2">Loan amounts as high as 5 million dollars</font></div>
</li>
	<li>
<div align="justify"><font color="#4f4f4f" size="2">No need to requalify when construction is complete.&nbsp; The loan simply converts to permanent financing</font></div>
</li>
</ul>
	<p align="justify"><font color="#4f4f4f" size="2">To qualify, you must be a general contractor or retain the services of a site supervisor during construction period.&nbsp; Site supervisor must have a minimum of two years experience in construction management.</font></p>
	<p><font size="2">Owner Builder Programs are available in the following states: Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin.</font></p>
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		<title>Lot Loan</title>
		<link>http://www.drewmckinney.com/?p=14</link>
		<comments>http://www.drewmckinney.com/?p=14#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:28:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Drew</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Mortgage News/Info</category>
		<guid>http://www.drewmckinney.com/?p=14</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[	
I&#8217;ve Got the Perfect Loan That&#8217;s Right for You.
	Purchase and Refinance Lot Loans
	Found the perfect lot to build your dream home?&#160; We offer lot loan amounts as high as $1,000,000 and Interest Only payments for up to 5 years.
	Already own the lot, but need more time before actually building?&#160; Perhaps you need more time to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[	<p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><br />
<p align="justify"><font color="#4f4f4f" size="3"><strong>I&#8217;ve Got the Perfect Loan That&#8217;s Right for You.</strong></font></p>
	<p align="justify"><font color="#4f4f4f" size="2"><strong>Purchase and Refinance Lot Loans</strong></p>
	<p>Found the perfect lot to build your dream home?&nbsp; We offer lot loan amounts as high as $1,000,000 and Interest Only payments for up to 5 years.<br /></font></p>
	<p align="justify"><font color="#4f4f4f" size="2">Already own the lot, but need more time before actually building?&nbsp; Perhaps you need more time to develop plans, obtain necessary permits, or haven&#8217;t chosen a builder yet.&nbsp; Our refinance program enables you to refinance your current lot loan and gives you the extra time you need before building.</font></p>
	<p align="justify"><font color="#4f4f4f" size="2">Features:</font></p>
	<ul>
<li>
<div align="justify"><font color="#4f4f4f" size="2">Lot Loan amounts up to $1,000,000</font></div>
</li>
	<li>
<div align="justify"><font color="#4f4f4f" size="2">Fixed and adjustable rate loans available</font></div>
</li>
	<li>
<div align="justify"><font color="#4f4f4f" size="2">Flexble documentation options</font></div>
</li>
	<li>
<div align="justify"><font color="#4f4f4f" size="2">Finance closing costs and any prepayment penalties into your new loan</font></div>
</li>
	<li>
<div align="justify"><font color="#4f4f4f" size="2">Up to 20 acres</font></div>
</li>
</ul>
	<p align="justify">&nbsp;</p>
	<p>
<table height="464" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0">
<tr>
<td class="black11B"><font size="2"><strong>Tips for Finding the Perfect Lot<br /></strong><br />Tip #1: Limit your search to &quot;finished&quot; lots</font></td>
</tr>
	<tr>
<td><font size="2">A &quot;finished&quot; lot refers to a portion of land that already has utilities in place and road access. This will save you time and money when you&rsquo;re ready to build. </font></td>
</tr>
	<tr>
<td><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></td>
</tr>
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<td class="black11B"><font size="2">Tip #2: Utilize the Internet</font></td>
</tr>
	<tr>
<td><font size="2">Let your favorite search engine help you do your research, especially if you&rsquo;re looking for prime real estate in a golf community, ski resort, coastal area or somewhere in between. Some popular key words include &ldquo;real estate lots&rdquo;, &ldquo;land to buy&rdquo;, and &ldquo;planned communities&rdquo;. An increasing number of resort property developers are using the growing popularity of the Internet to market their lots to consumers like you.</font></td>
</tr>
	<tr>
<td><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></td>
</tr>
	<tr>
<td class="black11B"><font size="2">Tip #3: Contact a real estate professional</font></td>
</tr>
	<tr>
<td><font size="2">There are real estate professionals who specialize in &quot;finished&quot; lots as well as lot developers that sell individual lots. Ask&nbsp;me for referrals, you&rsquo;ll want to work with a real estate professional who has knowledge of the area and who has worked with lot buyers in the past. In a development with vacant lots for sale, it&rsquo;s important to find one with the amenities you want &ndash; golf course, pool, boating access, security and more.</font></td>
</tr>
	<tr>
<td><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></td>
</tr>
	<tr>
<td class="black11B"><font size="2">Tip #4: Consider financing your lot purchase</font></td>
</tr>
	<tr>
<td><font size="2">Found the perfect location but you&rsquo;re not ready to build? Consider a </font><font size="2"><a href="http://www.drewmckinney.com/" target="_blank">Lot Loan</a></font><font size="2"><a href="http://www.drewmckinney.com/website/wp-admin/Lot_Loans.html"></a>&nbsp;from me. This is short-term financing for the purchase of a residential lot suited for future construction. When you&rsquo;re ready to build,&nbsp;I offer our one-time close </font><a href="http://www.drewmckinney.com/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Construction-to-Permanent Loan</font></a><font size="2">.</font></td>
</tr>
	<tr>
<td><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></td>
</tr>
	<tr>
<td class="black11B"><font size="2">Tip #5: Use the equity in your current home to help finance your new lot purchase </font></td>
</tr>
	<tr>
<td><font size="2">If you currently own your home and are looking to purchase land for a new home, you may finance 80% of the land purchase with a </font><a href="http://www.drewmckinney.com/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Home Equity Line of Credit</font></a><font size="2">. This lets you use the equity in your current home as the down payment on your Lot Loan.</font></td>
</tr>
</table>
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		<title>Vacant Lot Loan Financing</title>
		<link>http://www.drewmckinney.com/?p=12</link>
		<comments>http://www.drewmckinney.com/?p=12#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 10 Dec 2007 18:34:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Drew</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Mortgage News/Info</category>
		<guid>http://www.drewmckinney.com/?p=12</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[	My&#160;vacant land loans are designed for customers who have found a piece of property but may not&#160;be ready to build for several years or, who already own a piece of vacant land and wish to refinance it.&#160;Customers who want to buy vacant land and build within 12-18 months should consider our popular construction-permanent financing.
	My&#160;vacant land&#160;loan&#160;products [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[	<p>My&nbsp;vacant land loans are designed for customers who have found a piece of property but may not&nbsp;be ready to build for several years or, who already own a piece of vacant land and wish to refinance it.&nbsp;Customers who want to buy vacant land and build within 12-18 months should consider our popular <a href="http://dmckinney-mibanklo.mortgagewebcenter.com/Default.asp?bhcp=1" target="_blank">construction-permanent </a>financing.</p>
	<p>My&nbsp;vacant land&nbsp;loan&nbsp;products allow&nbsp;customers to buy the land at a great rate even if they are not ready to begin construction. The rate on our vacant&nbsp;land loans will commonly&nbsp;be fixed for the first three to five years giving customers ample time to plan for their new home. For vacant land&nbsp;purchases, we&nbsp;offer financing as high as 80%. </p>
	<h1><font size="2">Land Loan Refinance</font></h1>
	<p>If you need&nbsp;better terms on an existing lot loan, we offer rate-term refinance programs. We can&nbsp;also help you tap into&nbsp;your lands built up&nbsp;equity with a cash-out refinance. Customers&nbsp;with credit issues wishing to refinance their land should ask about our portfolio loan. </p>
	<h1><font size="2">Land Improvements Other Than a Dwelling</font></h1>
	<p>Existing land improvements such as a seawall, roadway, utilities, elevated site pad, dock or other site improvements may be given consideration by the appraiser in valuing the land. </p>
	<p>Sometimes, a piece of land contains non-dwelling improvements such as a shed, barn, stables, trailer, etc. If the improvements cannot be classified as a residential dwelling or, commercial structure, the appraiser will&nbsp;tend to&nbsp;note them, their condition&nbsp;and focus on just the land and it&#8217;s value. </p>
	<p>If the fixup, restoration or renovation of an existing structure on the land is a possibility, be sure and consider our <a href="http://www.drewmckinney.com/" target="_blank">rehabilitation loans</a>&nbsp;to combine the purchase and estimated cost of repairs&nbsp;into a single loan. </p>
	<h1><font size="2">Related Products:</font></h1>
	<p>Buyers of vacant land that will be ready to build within 12-18 months should consider our low cost <a href="http://dmckinney-mibanklo.mortgagewebcenter.com/Default.asp?bhcp=1" target="_blank">construction to permanent</a> financing to carry them through vacant land purchase, construction and into their new home with just one mortgage for the entire process!</p>
	<p><font size="2">Lot loans are available in the following states: Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Indiana,&nbsp;Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin.</font></p>
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		<title>One-Time Close Construction Loan</title>
		<link>http://www.drewmckinney.com/?p=11</link>
		<comments>http://www.drewmckinney.com/?p=11#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 08 Nov 2007 21:18:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Drew</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Mortgage News/Info</category>
		<guid>http://www.drewmckinney.com/?p=11</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[	If you are looking to build your own home in Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin call me.&#160; My one-time close construction loan that allows you to finance your home with one loan closing, saving you time and money.
	
One application and approval process, so you won&#8217;t have to requalify for a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[	<p>If you are looking to build your own home in Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin call me.&nbsp; My one-time close construction loan that allows you to finance your home with one loan closing, saving you time and money.</p>
	<ul>
<li>One application and approval process, so you won&#8217;t have to requalify for a permanent loan after construction is complete.</li>
	<li>One rate for the construction and permanent loan locked prior to building, taking the worry out of interest rate movements during construction.</li>
	<li>One closing saves you money.</li>
	<li>Up to 80% financing.</li>
	<li>Reduced documentation.</li>
	<li>Interest-only available.</li>
</ul>
	<p>Don&#8217;t delay, call me today and start building the home of your deams. </p>
	<p>Remember Drew McKinney for your new construction needs in Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin.</p>
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