It’s August in Memphis, TN, which means it’s HOT, it’s back-to-school for the students, and it’s time for some football! The Lake Cormorant High School Varsity Football Team (Gators) kicks off the season with a Jamboree against Christian Brothers High School (Purple Wave) tonight, August 16th at 7pm, in Memphis, TN.  My son, Randy McDonald, Jr. (#74), begins his senior year with the LCHS Gators playing offensive right tackle. He has been playing football since he was 5. I was not a fan of football until he began playing, but I quickly became the epitome of a “football mom.” I love the game now, and I am excited as he begins his last year of high school playing the sport that he loves. McDonald Tax Consulting and the LCHS Football Boosters proudly supports “dem Gators!!”  If you are in t... 08/16/2019

McDonald Tax Consulting LLC is a full-service tax and financial services firm located in Southaven, MS, which is just south of Memphis, TN. We provide professional tax and other financial services to small businesses and individuals. McDonald Tax Consulting primarily helps our clients with:  Tax Resolution & Representation when You Receive a Tax Bill or Audit Notice Preparation & e-Filing of All Tax Returns Tax Planning to Help You can Keep More of What You Make Small Business Consultations  Felicia McDonald, the President and Founder of McDonald Tax Consulting, is an Enrolled Agent. An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a tax advisor who is a federally authorized tax practitioner empowered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Enrolled Agents can represent taxpayers anywhere in the United States... 08/07/2019

Are you new to Olive Branch? Have you been here for years, but looking for a new place to eat? There is a restaurant to meet nearly all tastes in Olive Branch now. Of course, if you’ve been around for years, you know how much the town has grown and that we started out with just Dodge’s and Sonic! First, decide what you’re in the mood for. Is it BBQ? Are the kids begging for Mexican? Is it a Japanese meal you want? Maybe it’s date night. Or are you looking for something small and local?Here is a guide to some of the top picks in Restaurants in Olive Branch, Mississippi!BBQ – Here in the south, Barbecue is always one of the first choices to take out clients, cater work events, or just pick up after church on Sunday. Southern Pride BBQ, 7164 Hacks Cross Road, 662-874-5693Ranks highest in t... 01/30/2016

A big THANK YOU for everyone who voted for us in Desoto and the surrounding counties. Last Saturday, the "2013 Best of Desoto County" was published - - and Fairway Mortgage was voted 2013 Best Mortgage Company in Desoto County!  This is the annual "Best of Desoto" through the Desoto Times paper.  This is the first year (in some time) that "Mortgage Company" was listed on the voting ballot. We were VERY excited and honored to be voted in by our friends, family, past/current clients and our referral partners.  2014 should be another exciting year!   Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, 224 West Commerce St, Hernando, MS 38632 is a "MS and TN Licensed Mortgage Company." NMLS ID #2289. An Equal Housing Lender. All loans are subject to credit approval and compliance with investor guide... 02/26/2014

For the third time in a row, the USDA eligibility map changes have been postponed.  This time until 09/30/2014. This is GREAT news for Desoto County and other counties in Mississippi where USDA loans are widely popular!!  Although the issue has not been resolved, but yet just "pushed down the road again," it does give borrower's some needed breathing room.   To find about more about the USDA eligibility areas, click HERE.       Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, 224 West Commerce St, Hernando, MS 38632 is a "MS and TN Licensed Mortgage Company." NMLS ID #2289. An Equal Housing Lender. All loans are subject to credit approval and compliance with investor guidelines.   Know your mortgage options!   01/22/2014

Great News! The Continuing Resolution was passed, so the USDA eligibility maps will remain unchanged until September 30, 2013. This is great news for individuals wanting to purchase a home using the USDA loan. The map below is the existing eligibility map for Desoto County - to include Shelby County, TN.   To find about more about the USDA eligibility areas, click HERE.       Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, 224 West Commerce St, Hernando, MS 38632 is a "MS and TN Licensed Mortgage Company." NMLS ID #2289. An Equal Housing Lender. All loans are subject to credit approval and compliance with investor guidelines.   Know your mortgage options! 03/27/2013

On October 18, 2012, USDA announced some new guideline changes regarding “Outbuildings and Property Eligibility” that you should be aware of – please click link for further information.   “New Things You Should Know About USDA”   (1)    Site and Building Requirements –   a. Farm related property cannot be acquired under this program.  Vacant land or properties used primarily for agricultural, farming, farm operations or commercial enterprises are ineligible. USDA considers a farm service building to be any of the structures used in farming operations such as livestock barns and shelters; machinery-and farm supply-storage buildings; buildings and facilities for crop storage, including fodder; and special-purpose structures such as grain silos. Properties accompanied by a farm service str... 11/14/2012

***The map changes have been postponed until 03/27/2013***   As many of you may know, there will be an adjustment to the USDA eligibility maps effective 10/01/2012. The effective date will be based upon fully executed sales contracts (signed by both buyer and seller) dated no later than 09/30/2012.  Contracts written on 10/01/2012 or later, will not be honored by USDA. The map changes will not be available online until after 10/01/2012.  Here is the link to the USDA eligibility map - click HERE.   Then, click on Property Eligibility, Single Family Housing (located on left side).  Click Accept and that will take you to the map. Enter the address and you will be able to determine if an address is eligible or ineligible.     If you are interested in finding out more about the USDA Guarante... 08/16/2012

New and Improved USDA Refinance Pilot Program is available for the following States: AL, AZ, CA, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OR, RI, SC and TN. A few days ago interest rates hit the lowest level in recorded history – and because of this, many homeowners may be able to reduce their interest rate by 1% or more and reduce their current monthly mortgage payment!  Below is a list of program benefits and qualifying criteria.    PROGRAM BENEFITS: ·         Lower 30 year fixed interest rates ·         Reduced documentation requirement          o   Income verified for “household income limits” only          o   Employment verified only          o   NO assets required ·         NO appraisal required ·         NO out-of-pocket expenses – closing costs can NOW be financed into t... 07/12/2012

                                                               After attending the "second" Fairway Mortgage BOOT CAMP in Kansas City, I am proud to annouce that I have earned the MMS - Military Mortgage Specialist designation. The objective of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp in offering the designation of Military Mortgage Specialist™ is to provide a platform whereby our loan professionals can be thoroughly trained, equipped and certified to handle with excellence the mortgage loan needs of our active and former military clients. Our mission is to "serve those who serve!" As a Veteran myself, I am very PROUD that our company took the initiative to recognize the housing needs of our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans and their families!         Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporati... 06/01/2012

Did you ever wonder if a loan officer is actually licensed or not?  The NMLS or “Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System & Registry” offers a free service for consumers to confirm that the mortgage company or mortgage professional they are working with is “authorized” to conduct mortgage business in their state. On the website www.nmlsconsumeraccess.com, you can type in the Loan Officer’s name, Company or even City to search for a specific loan officer or lending institution.  The NMLS number identifier signifies whether a Loan Officer or Company is “licensed” or “registered” to originate mortgage loans.   Although not specified by the NMLS number, there are two main types “Licensed (State License)” and “Registered (Federal Registration).” What is the difference between a State License and... 04/26/2012

  Earning the CMHS - Certified Military Housing Specialist designation indicates a significant knowledge base that active duty service members and Veterans can rely upon for prompt and accurate service of their housing needs. Certified Housing Professionals also adhere to specific Standards of Practice, representing a commitment to provide quality service to military borrowers.     About USA Cares USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that helps post 9/11 military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: To help with basic needs during financial crisis, to assist combat injured Veterans and their families and to prevent private military home foreclosures and evictions. In eight years, USA Cares has received over 31,000 requests and ... 04/16/2012

Congratulations to Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp for ranking #11 in the TOP 100 Mortgage Companies in America in 2011 by Mortgage Executive Magazine.   Here is the link to the list - TOP 100 Mortgage Companies             For more information please contact DOUG CAPPS at (662) 429-5100 ext. 105.  NMLS ID #68160.   Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, 224 West Commerce St, Hernando, MS 38632 is a "MS and TN Licensed Mortgage Company." NMLS ID #2289. An Equal Housing Lender. All loans are subject to credit approval and compliance with investor guidelines.  Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp is not affiliated with USDA Rural Development.   Know your mortgage options! 03/07/2012

Per FHA Mortgagee Letter 2012-03, FHA will be adopting a few more changes effective 04/01/2012.  One of the changes is regarding collection accounts.  This could impact many borrower’s ability to qualify or possibly delay a borrower in qualifying for the FHA loan.   Excerpt below:                                OLD Guidance                                                            NEW Guidance   HUD 4155.1 4.C.2.e FHA does not require that collection accounts be paid off as a condition of mortgage approval. However, court-ordered judgments must be paid off before the mortgage loan is eligible for FHA insurance endorsement. If the total outstanding balance of all collection accounts is equal to or greater than $1,000 the borrower must resolve the accounts (e.g. entered into payment arra... 03/06/2012

As you may know by now,  FHA mortgages are about to get a bit more expensive. In its announcement, the FHA said it would increase its annual mortgage insurance premium by 0.10 of a percentage point for loans under $625,500, which would now cost 1.25 percent of the loan amount, up from 1.15 percent. That change takes effect on April 1. The agency also said it planned to raise another fee, known as the upfront mortgage premium, by 0.75 of a percentage point, bringing the premium to 1.75 percent of the loan amount, which can be rolled into the mortgage. Here is how the new increases will look to the borrower:     Disclaimer:  HUD has not officially published a HUD Mortgagee Letter reflecting these new policy changes.   For more information please contact DOUG CAPPS at (662) 429-5100 ext. 1... 02/29/2012

  Effective 01/18/2012, the Household Income Limits were increased for the USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing loan for the State of Mississippi. 1-4 person household:  $74,750 (increased from $74,050.00) 5-8 person household:  $98,670  (increased from $97,750.00)   This applies to ALL Mississippi Counties!        For more information please contact DOUG CAPPS at (662) 429-5100 ext. 105.  NMLS ID #68160.    Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, 224 West Commerce St, Hernando, MS 38632 is a "MS and TN Licensed Mortgage Company." NMLS ID #2289. An Equal Housing Lender. All loans are subject to credit approval and compliance with investor guidelines.  Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp is not affiliated with USDA Rural Development.   Know your mortgage options! 01/26/2012

If you are interested in purchasing a new home, then don't forget about the Home Loan Plus Grant!  The MS Home Corp Home Loan Plus provides grants up to $14,999.00 to qualified low income individuals to purchase homes. Currently, there is over $3.4million available for grants.  Restrictions and household income limits do apply. Here is the website for more information:  www.mshc.com/hlp       For more information please contact DOUG CAPPS at (662) 429-5100 ext. 105.  NMLS ID #68160.   Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, 224 West Commerce St, Hernando, MS 38632 is a "MS and TN Licensed Mortgage Company."  NMLS ID #2289. An Equal Housing Lender.  All loans are subject to credit approval and compliance with investor guidelines.   Know your mortgage options! 12/13/2011

    The MS Home Corp Home Saver program assists homeowners by making mortgage payments who have lost their job or experienced a reduction in income through no fault of their own due to the economy and are at risk of default or losing their home to  foreclosure.  Restrictions apply.   Click the following link for more information:  www.mshomesaver.com.       For more information about mortgage financing, please contact DOUG CAPPS at (662) 429-5100 ext. 105.  NMLS ID #68160.   Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, 224 West Commerce St, Hernando, MS 38632 is a "MS and TN Licensed Mortgage Company."  NMLS ID #2289. An Equal Housing Lender.  All loans are subject to credit approval and compliance with investor guidelines.   Know your mortgage options! 12/05/2011

    54th Annual Hernando Christmas Parade   DATE: 12/5/2011 (Postponed until 12/12/11) TIME: 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM Join us for the Hernando, MS 54th Annual Christmas Parade, which will feature more than 100 entries with floats, cars, marching bands, horses, fire trucks and of course, Santa! This year's parade theme is "Christmas through a Child's Eyes."  This seasonal community favorite offers lots of fun for the entire family. The parade begins at the corner of Mt Pleasant Extended and Commerce Street and travels down Commerce Street, around the Courthouse Square and ends at Hernando Baptist Church on East Center Street.       For more information about mortgage financing, please contact DOUG CAPPS at (662) 429-5100 ext. 105.  NMLS ID #68160.   Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, 22... 12/01/2011

Finally some good news for Veterans! On November 21, 2011, the President signed HR 674 which reduces the VA Funding Fees associated with VA Home Loans. This new fee structure will be in effect for loans closing after 11/22/2011 until 09/30/2016. This will help reduce costs for Veterans purchasing a home. Some good news! Keep in mind that the VA Funding Fee is waived for Veterans that are receiving at least 10% VA disability. Click this link for the funding fee chart.       For more information please contact DOUG CAPPS at (662) 429-5100 ext. 105.  NMLS ID #68160.   Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, 224 West Commerce St, Hernando, MS 38632 is a "MS and TN Licensed Mortgage Company."  NMLS ID #2289. An Equal Housing Lender.  All loans are subject to credit approval and compliance ... 11/29/2011