The Mortgage Files

Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.

How a bank statement program might help you get a mortgage more easily

By Scott Sheldon / April 23, 2019

One of the challenges some families may have when seeking a mortgage is not showing enough income on paper via tax returns to qualify. Here’s some nuances about bank statement programs that might help you land a mortgage more successfully… Traditionally when getting a mortgage most mortgage companies are going to want your W-2s or…

Why waiting to pull credit may not make sense for getting a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / April 16, 2019

Everyone wants to be a credit expert especially when it comes time to getting a mortgage. The unfortunate truth is most people do not have the expertise or time to accurately enhance their credit scores. If you’re trying to work on your credit for getting a mortgage here’s what you should plan for… There are…

Why the VA mortgage is the best home loan

By Scott Sheldon / April 9, 2019

If you served in the military a VA mortgage if you can qualify supports, the maximal amount of borrowing power with the lowest possible payment. Here are some things to consider when looking at a VA mortgage… The US Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees loans up to 100% loan to value for purchase rate and…

Here’s what you should be focused on when buying a home and it’s not the purchase price

By Scott Sheldon / April 5, 2019

Buying a home for the first time or even a second or third time is a detailed and meticulous endeavor that should be carefully considered by weighing out all your options. Consider this when buying a home with a mortgage… The problem homebuyers can sometimes run into is it they get so wrapped around the…

Can you use roommate income to get a mortgage?

By Scott Sheldon / March 26, 2019

Refinancing or purchasing a house requires an apple supply of cash, credit and income. Here’s what you need to know with regards to getting a mortgage loan with roommate income. Generally, to get a mortgage you cannot use roommate income to qualify. In the lending world this type of income is called border income. Most…

Here’s how to get the most benefit from your first-time home buyer researching

By Scott Sheldon / March 19, 2019

As a first-time home buyer taking the plunge to home ownership is a big step. You need to be feeling good about your personal debts and cash flow. Here is what you want to consider when researching so you can make the most informed home buying decision… The things you should consider when deciding whether…

What loan program you may be eligible for based on your credit score

By Scott Sheldon / March 12, 2019

Your credit plays an infinite role in your ability to get a mortgage loan. How good your credit stacks and what your credit history reveals may direct you into one program versus another. Here’s how your credit score drives what program you are eligible for. It’s no secret getting a mortgage is a bureaucratic and…

Be wary about paying off this type of debt when getting a home mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / March 5, 2019

Most mortgage companies will let you pay off debt to qualify for a mortgage. The beauty of doing so is borrowing power increase. Here’s what you know when paying off debt to getting a bigger mortgage amount…. Paying off debt to qualify is a wonderful way to drive borrowing power. For example, let’s say you…