Testimonials

Howell Investment Finance has been, particularly in view of pandemonium caused by Covid-19, a pleasure to work with to secure a HUD 232 loan to refinance a senior living property in Iowa.  We were seamlessly guided through what seemed to be countless information requests and third parties to secure the loan.  Needless to say, we are looking forward to future financings with Denny as our business grows.

M Michaud, The Capstone Group, Inc.

As the Treasurer of Prairie Gardens Cooperative located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Prairie Gardens is 62+ Senior Citizen Cooperative and opened their doors in February 2020. We have 48 units in a 77,000 square foot facility. In a cooperative the residents invest equity ranging anywhere from 30 to 50 percent of the investment and the balance is financed with a loan, most commonly a HUD insured loan.

Originally, the developers financed the construction through a local bank, with a 20-year 5.9% construction loan with a swap break penalty. The swap moved up or down based on the 20-year treasury rate. At the time the SWAP pre-payment penalty was $2.5 million dollars.

Knowing that our goal was to refinance under a HUD insured loan, the developers recommended that we contact Denny Howell of Howell Investment Finance in Ames, IA for professional guidance. After our first meeting, we entered into an agreement to hire Denny to guide us through this very hard and complicated process. We made this "snap" decision for several reasons. The residences of our co-op are middle-income hard-working people and Denny's personality fit that mold. Over the course of the months that I worked with Denny, we had many shareholder information meetings and Denny attended every one and became part of the Prairie Gardens Family. Also, whenever there was any inspection with appraisers or the other third-party inspectors, Denny was always on-site to help navigate the inspections and reduce any surprises.

Anyone considering a HUD loan knows that the process flows more smoothly if it is a team effort. In our case this team consisted of Prairie Gardens, our local bank, our management company, our future bank, HUD, and of course, Denny. As it worked out, Denny was in charge of coordinating the group and he did an excellent job. Denny and I spent many hours on the phone and in person.

A big asset was Denny's financial knowledge and his contacts in not only the financial world but also his contacts with companies proficient in the various HUD analysis requirements. In our situation, we were walking a fine line needing the US 20-year Treasury rate to increase in order to reduce the swap prepayment penalty while wanting the US 10-year Treasury rate to decrease to end up with an acceptable HUD interest rate. Denny was a key player in helping us reach our goal.

In summary, speaking for the Board of Directors and residents of Prairie Gardens, we were pleasantly surprised and happy with Denny's assistance in helping us secure our HUD loan. It's a big decision when you start the financing or refinancing project. 

Bill Hopp

Treasurer, Prairie Gardens Cooperative

"As a Lender, I always appreciate working with Denny at Howell Investment Finance in Ames, Iowa. Denny is one of the few commercial mortgage brokers that I have worked with that actually puts his clients best interests in front of his own. His clients are the most important part of his business and he goes out of his way to ensure their satisfaction is met. 

Denny first seeks to find out what his clients are trying to accomplish in their financing needs and then he searches for the best fit, whether its a Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, HUD, or a bridge loan to stabilize the property until other financing is available.

I know from experience when Denny feels that his clients' needs are not being met correctly, he will question the Lender and figure out a solution that works best for his clients to accomplish their goals. 

Denny is in the business for all of the right reasons and I would recommend any investor to call Denny to see how he can help them obtain their investment financing goals."

Michael A.

"Denny Howell is a bulldog when it comes to getting a loan approved. He will assist you in making sure an underwriter will be able to understand your operation and how your P & L fits into a bank's underwriting policies. I have done 5 loans with Denny and with the most recent one we obtained a rate unheard of in the commercial market. I would highly recommend using Howell Investment Finance. Denny is a straight shooter and if your numbers are good, you will get approved for a nice loan with great terms. Don't hesitate!!"

Tom T.

"Denny Howell is one of the top mortgage brokers I have had the privilege of working with during my tenure in the business. I have closed several loans for Denny's clients and have had a wonderful experience with him each time. Denny adds tremendous value to his clients on these transactions and works tirelessly to get them closed and over the finish line! Also, he is one of the most pleasant guys I have had the privilege of working with. I expect to close more deals with Denny in the upcoming year and look forward to working with him and his clients. If you are in the market seeking financing for a project, I would highly recommend that you connect with Denny. Whether you are a borrower or a lender, I can confidently say Howell Investment Finance is an asset to the transaction process!"

Zach S.