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I'm a full-time Mortgage Lender, with a four year real estate background. I feel having a real estate background gives me an advantgage because I know both aspects of the deal. I take pride in the quality of service I provide my customer's. My ultimate goal is to end up with a 100% satisfied customer and in return I will get the referrals I need to be a great success. 

• FHA/VA
• Fixed Rates Mortgages
• Ajustable Rates Mortgages                                                                                                       
• Alt 97
• USDA - Rural Housing Guaranteed Program
• First Time Homebuyer
• Construction Loans
• Lot Loans - up to 25 acres
• Reverse Mortgages
• HELOC

 My company offer's Competitive Rates, an  In- House Underwriter, Banking, Insurance, and Wealth Management, everything you need under one roof.

For A Limited Time Offer: Open a mortgage with us and we will deposit $250 into your MainSource Checking Account!

Understanding the loan process:

• Find out how much you can borrow
• Choose a loan that's right for you
• Apply for the loan-during this process do not apply for any new credit or make any large purchases, this will effect your ratios therefore you might no longer qualify for the loan.
• Begin the loan process 
• Close your loan
• Ask questions throughout the process to make sure you fully understand all aspects.

 ~Understanding your credit~

• This is one of the leading things that lenders consider when reviewing an application.
• Credit reporting companies use models that take into account an individuals history to generate a credit score.  A credit score is nothing more than a numerical designation that gives an indication of the credit worthiness or credit risk of an individual.
• The most commonly used credit scoring model is the FICO model, which was named after the company that developed the model , Fair Issac and Company. The resulting credit score is referred as a FICO. Every individual has three FICO scores, one from each of the reporting companies: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. Lenders typically use the middle score for evaluation a application.  Also used NonTraditional credit, this is credit attained by using bills such as utilities, insurance or even cell phones. You must show a 12 month's of on time payment history.
• You should check your credit at least once a year to check for any inconsistencies. You call each of the reporting companies to dispute any inconsistencies on your credit report, their number's are listed on the credit report.

 ~What is taken into account in a Credit Score~

~Fico Scores range from 300 to 850, with 850 being the best possible Fico score~

~Rate Your Credit~

 ~3 STEPS TO BOOST YOUR CREDIT IF YOUR SCORE IS 660 OR BELOW~

1. PAY EVERY BILL ON TIME
2. PAY DOWN YOUR MAXED OUT CREDIT CARDS FIRST
3. DO NOT CANCEL ANY CREDIT CARDS- Remember one-third of your score is based on how much of the credit available to you, you actually are using.

 ~USING CREDIT CARDS TO IMPROVE CREDIT SCORE~

1. PAY ON TIME.
2. USE YOUR CARD EVERY SIX MONTHS TO KEEP IT ACTIVE.
3. KEEP CREDIT CARD ACCOUNTS OPEN (UNLESS PAYING AN ANNUAL FEE)
4. KEEP THE RATIO OF CREDIT AVAILABLE TO CREDIT USED LOW.
5. AVOID NEW ACCOUNTS (SHORT-TERM) THE NEGATIVE EFFECT OF OPENING A NEW ACCOUNT LAST LESS THAN ONE YEAR.
6. PAYING OFF OR DOWN CREDIT CARDS IMPROVES THE SCORE MORE THAN PAYING OFF OTHER LOANS ~i.e. installments.

	Equifax	(800) 685-1111	Web, www.equifax.com
	Experian	(888) EXPERIAN (888-397-3742)	Web, www.experian.com
	Trans Union	(800) 888-4213	Web, www.transunion.com

All loans are subject to credit approval and property appraisal. Programs/products are subject to change without notice. Preapplication/prequalification is not a commitment to lend, a condition of loan approval or a application for credit.

 ~Down Payment Assistance Programs Available ~

       Call me today for more information...

         ~Ten Mistakes To Avoid when Buying A Home~

1. Do Not Buy A Home Without Professional Inspections.  It is highly recommended that you get a property inspection. This way you will know what you are buying and prevent unnecessary future expenses.
2. Do Not Wait To Get Homeowners Insurance.  Most people make the mistake of waiting until just before closing to have insurance. By calling around sooner you can have time to find the best insurance for you.
3. Do Not Allow Any Negative Bank Drafts or Balances.  Because you may be asked to supply recent bank statements please check to make sure all payments have cleared and your accounts maintain a positive balance.
4. Do Not Make Large Deposits or Transfer Funds.  It is best to leave your money right where it is. Moving your money or making large deposits cause confusion with the verification process and you will be asked to explain any large deposits into your account over the last THREE months. 
5. Do Not Make Late Payments.  Due to the probability of having to re-verify your credit histoy prior to closing, you should always pay all bills when due, without exception.
6. Do Not Increase Your Credit Balances. Avoid increasing the balance on your credit cards because this will increase your minimum payment due and may have a negative impact on your overall credit score.
7. Do Not Change Jobs.  Changing jobs before or during the loan process can create a real problem in qualifying you for the loan.
8. Do Not Make Any Large Purchases.  A large purchase can affect the amount of home you qualify for and, during the loan process itself make it extremely difficult to get your loan approved.
9. Do Not Pay Off Your Bills.  Your loan officer will advise you if necessary to pay bills to help you qualify for a loan. They will also show you the best way to pay off bills to make sure you have the evidence needed to verify the bill has been paid in full.
10. Do Not Forget To Ask Questions.  You must make sure you feel absolutely comfortable and unsderand the process.

Sites to visit:

http://www.freddiemac.com/calculators/ 

http://www.fha.gov/

http://http://www.freddiemac.com/corporate/buyown/english/preparing/right_for_you/

  http://www.repairbadcreditreport.com

 ~Want to apply for a loan click on the apply now button~      

~Please note on the comment section of your application that you have visited my website~        Thank you!

What's the difference between Pre-Quailified and Pre-Approved and why it's so important to get pre approved before starting your home shopping adventure?

Many people are surprised to learn that the best time to look for a mortgage is BEFORE you look for a house.  Being pre-approved shows the seller you have taken the neccesary steps and are committed therefore  the seller will most likely take your offer more seriously.  Also by talking with a lender before starting your home search gives you ample time to pull together records you will need to get a mortgage when you finally find the home you want to purchase.

~Pre-qualified~

Frequently asked questions:

What is PMI- Private Mortgage Insurance which is normally required when you purchase a home with less than 20% down payment. Mortgage insurance is a type of guarantee that helps protect the lender against the costs of foreclosure. There are other ways to avoid paying PMI.

Should I Refinance?                                                                                                                                                                                                  The most common reason to refinance is to save money, this can be achieved by:

• Obtaining a lower interest rate
• Reducing the term of the loan from a 30 year to a 15 year
• Or by converting a adjustable rate to a fixed rate

MainSource Bank Benefits
	Still want to have personal assistance? You can call or e-mail us at anytime to answer any of your questions or to ask for advice.
	Ready to close on your mortgage quickly? We can get your mortgage approved in minutes, rather than days or weeks!
	Free Pre-qualifications We offer free pre-qualifications, so you can shop for your home knowing that you can afford the mortgage.
	Confused about which program to choose? We offer a variety of loan options to choose from including fixed rate mortgages and adjustable rate mortgages. We offer easy to understand explanations of each program on the site and I am always just a call or e-mail away!

                                          Call Me Today For More Details......

I am always just a call or email away!

 As a local real estate professional, it is very important for me to surround myself with people that share the same work ethic and commitment to outstanding client service.  Mimi has always gone the extra mile to assist my clients in getting the best mortgage product available. Mimi cares and that makes all the difference. Whether you are a first time home buyer or current home owner,  I strongly recommend Mimi Barnes to assist you with all your mortgage needs.

~Dawn Olson, Bennett Homes/Bennett Commercial, LLC

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I recently had the pleasure of working with Mimi as she was the Mortgage Consultant my client went thru to purchase his 1st Home.   As a 1st Time home buyer, you are already stressed of what you think the entire process will entail. But Mimi made the mortgage process seem like a breeze.  She is very professional, and keeps you informed every step of the way so there are no surprises at the end. I enjoyed working with her and would recommend her to any of my clients.

~Pamela Baron, Realtor ~ Nugent Curtis Real Estate, LLC

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We want to say, the biggest thank you, Mimi for your winning ways, your energy and time, with service and friendliest warmth that you approached our financing on Clark House project, Arizona. We know whom we would want for implementing our finacicial concerns in the future, after the business expedience with which you put together a finacing package proposal for our new home. Thank you, Mimi!

There is never a loss, but rather a gain to be had, to be made, to be paved by all for the future, as in the past and today, when we think about our relationship with professionals, like you, Mimi. You are most instrumental in helping us lay a finacially sound, best route to our realized needs. The personalization of your approach is endeared to our hearts. There is no place like home, wherever we are and all roads lead home.

Thank you Mimi, for everything!

Sincerly,

~Anita Clark

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It was a pleasure working with Mimi when we were refinancing our home this last year. She helped the process run smoothly and was always there to help.  She's professional yet friendly and enthusiastic. Thanks again, Mimi!

~Graig & Laura Schreiner

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As young, first time homebuyers, we made some mistakes with our original mortgage and needed to refinance in a hurry.  Mimi worked quickly to meet our needs, and even came to our house to exchange paperwork when I could not leave with my newborn son! She was friendly and professioanl, and we trusted that she would take care of everything. When it looked like we might run into some obstacles, she made lots of phone calls and found a way to make the refinance work. We couldn't have done it without her! Thanks, Mimi!

 ~Elizabeth and Cornell Middlebrook

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Recently Mimi was the lender for the buyers on one of my listings.  She gave us a great service including a Total Loan Approval commitment/ kept us updated and returned phone calls in a very timely manor.

~Lori Naese Realtor/Speckman Realty GMAC       "We truly enjoyed working with her"          

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Mimi Barnes provides her clients with honest, professional and prompt service. She is considered very reputable among those of us in the real estate industry and is known for being reliable.  When she says something will get done, it gets done and it gets done on time.  Mimi is a very competent loan officer and I have been very pleased  with the service my clients received from her in my past dealings with her. 

~Mary Peeken, River Valley Realty     

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Mimi really stayed on top of things and kept in touch with me throughout the entire process. Communication is so important in the home buying process. I look forward to doing more business with her in the future!    

~Sarah Powers /Realtor, Coldwell Banker

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My new husband and I have had a lot of problems trying to refinance. Then we heard of Mimi Barnes at MainSource Bank. We contacted her and immediately she called us back. We had alot of problems from my husbannd's last marriage and just couldn't  get approved. Mimi Barnes said that she would do everything possible to help us. Well, she sure did. She had to go through alot of papers, and make several phone calls to help us get things all in order before we could even get started on financing. When all was said and done, she pulled through. We got a great rate and learned alot through it all. I totally recommend Mimi Barnes for your Financing. She will be there through all answering any questions that you have and be there with a smile at the end!

~Ron and Julie Bourassa

Community  Involvement:

• Past Envoy President for Bradley Bourbonnais Chamber of Commerce
• Served as Board Member for St. Martin of Tours
• Past President of Kankakee County Associtation of Realtors
• Served on the Hispanic Partnership Committee

Call a lender that will go the extra mile for you!