The Mortgage Files

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

Common questions on financed pmi mortgage loans

By Scott Sheldon / February 26, 2019

The two most common loans available in the marketplace are Conventional loans and FHA Loans. FHA Loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and Conventional mortgages are backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. When you use an FHA loan to purchase or refinance a house there is an upfront mortgage insurance premium calculated…

These little nuances may affect your first-time buyer mortgage options

By Scott Sheldon / February 19, 2019

Purchasing a house for the first time requires careful planning and consideration so you can make the right financial choice for you and your family. Here’s what you ought to consider when your determining whether or not you should pull the trigger on the big ticket purchase… There’s two types of mortgage loans available in…

Why you may need to pay the piper with your self-employed income for a loan

By Scott Sheldon / February 12, 2019

Applying to purchase or refinance a mortgage is going to require you providing an ample supply of credit, cash and documentable income to support the loan that you are seeking. Contrary to popular belief a mortgage loan is not made against the property, but rather against your ability to repay. Here’s some things you need…

The #1 mistake consumers make when getting a mortgage…

By Scott Sheldon / February 5, 2019

To apply for a mortgage, get approved and close escrow you must have some sense of urgency. Whether you are buying a home or refinancing a home, your mortgage application needs to get moved up the priority scale in your life. If you don’t have that sense of urgency you may leave money on the…

How much are closing costs when you purchase a house?

By Scott Sheldon / January 29, 2019

When you purchase a house, you have a down payment and closing that must be taken into consideration. Closing costs on a home purchase akin to tax, docs and licensing when you purchase a brand-new car. Here’s how to plan and budget for closing costs so you can best determine what you’re borrowing power and…

These two conventional mortgage loan programs will get you a better interest rate and terms

By Scott Sheldon / January 22, 2019

When you’re buying or refinancing a house it goes without saying you want to get a competitive interest rate with favorable terms associated with the money you are borrowing. Two programs that support your ability to do this are Fannie Mae Home Ready and Freddie Mac Home Possible. These two programs typically have about 1/4…

How much of your mortgage income should be going towards an auto loan

By Scott Sheldon / January 15, 2019

Buying a house can always be a daunting consuming feat. Caring consumer obligations such as car loans can further complicate a picture of that otherwise could be more financially lucrative. When you carry on a car debt whether it’s at lease payment or whether it’s a financed payment you’re handcuffing a portion of your future…

This change to FHA Loans might help you land a mortgage more easily

By Scott Sheldon / January 15, 2019

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have a very conservative calculation when it comes to using rental income to qualify. Here’s what you need to know if you’re getting an FHA mortgage and you have mortgaged rental property… Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s mortgage calculation of use net income is super conservative and will make your…