The Mortgage Files

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

Mortgage after loan modification? Here’s how…

By Scott Sheldon / April 19, 2016

One of the challenges many homeowners faced in the recession was financial hardships. Loan modifications were often a short term solutions banks used for homeowners facing delinquency, income changes, or loss of home-equity. If you’ve had a loan modification in your past here’s what you need to know… What is a loan modification? A loan…

Can you get a USDA loan anymore?

By Scott Sheldon / April 13, 2016

One mortgage loan program popular in the last few years is the USDA loan. The program allows for you to buy a home with no money down and low monthly mortgage insurance. Here’s what you need to know if you’re interested in this type of financing. What the program entails The US Department of Agriculture…

Buy a condo or a single family home?

By Scott Sheldon / April 8, 2016

When the time homes to buy your first home, you will have options galore. Here’s how to decide if you should purchase a single-family home or a more affordable condominium unit. Undoubtedly, buying a home is without doubt the largest financial decision you’ll probably make in your lifetime. It is critical to make sure the…

How to get a mortgage with a brand-new job

By Scott Sheldon / March 31, 2016

Changing jobs is a natural byproduct of an ongoing career. If trying to look good for a bank, here is what you need to know for your new job to count for a mortgage. Mortgage companies typically want you to have the same field of work for the most recent last two years. A solid…

These ridiculous things could be needed to buy a home

By Scott Sheldon / March 27, 2016

It is no secret getting approved for a mortgage loan requires a fair amount of paperwork. Here is what you should know if there if there is anything questionable in your past… When you apply for a mortgage for the first time or you’re a little rusty on the process, it’s reasonable to expect some…

3 spots your down payment monies should not be

By Scott Sheldon / March 18, 2016

Buying home is probably the largest financial transaction you will ever do life. Where you store your down payment funds can mean difference between a smooth or dicey process… Buying a home does require a down payment of at least 3.5%. While there are programs which require no money down, most have more restrictive income…

These forms of income can help you land a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / March 12, 2016

In today’s world of mortgage lending showing enough income is paramount to qualifying. Here are some alternative income forms that can be used for a mortgage qualifying… Mortgage banks look for income to offset debt. If you’re monthly debt payments exceed your income you may have a tough time qualifying for a mortgage. Underwriting which…

Make your credit fit the mortgage box

By Scott Sheldon / March 6, 2016

If you have some credit challenges preventing you from getting mortgage with competitive rates and fees, read on. Here are some tips you can take to the bank… Know this: you need not have perfect credit to buy a home or get a mortgage. Your credit just needs to be sufficient; good, bad, ugly or…