The Mortgage Files

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

Understanding Conventional Vs. Conforming Mortgage Loans

By Scott Sheldon / January 1, 2013

People lining themselves up for home buying or even current homeowners who have not taken mortgage in a number of years, with all the different programs available in the marketplace today; Government Loans, Conventional Loans, Conforming Loans, it can be easy to get lost in the array of available programs. All mortgage loan programs breakdown…

Why 2013 Will Be The Year To Buy A House

By Scott Sheldon / December 23, 2012

As we round up the fiscal year 2012 and move into 2013, the next 12 months is showing compelling reasons why would-be home buyers are going to be buying more homes. In the beginning of 2012, the consensus was the real estate market was low, even flat in some parts. In summer 2012, purchase business…

What credit score do I need for a VA home loan?

By Scott Sheldon / December 18, 2012

While HUD, does not have a minimal credit score requirement for VA loans, or even FHA loans, most lenders have a credit score requirement of at least 640 or higher in order to successfully fund and close a VA home loan. If your credit score is 640 or better, you meet them credit score eligibility…

Higher Mortgage Rates For Conforming High Balance Mortgages

By Scott Sheldon / December 18, 2012

If you are in the market for a mortgage refinance or home purchase, plan to pay more if you are borrowing more than the conforming loan limit. The national conforming loan limit for the best mortgage rates is $417,000 extending through December 31, 2013. If your loan is up to $417,000 or lower, generally you’ll…

What's the minimum credit score for getting an FHA mortgage?

By Scott Sheldon / December 17, 2012

You will need to have a middle credit score of 620 or better for an FHA mortgage. Additionally, this is for single-family residences and you have to have two months of mortgage payments saved/liquid in the bank. 620 FHA credit scores are good I’m purchase transactions on loans to $417,000.

How do I use the Delayed Financing Rule ?

By Scott Sheldon / December 15, 2012

I am currently in Florida, in a closing debacle with Suntrust Mortgage and want to cash out our savings and just close the home purchase and be done with the process, then try to recoup funds through some type of refi or home equity product. I have been informed by our realtor of this Delayed…

My loan is through Freddie Mac, why do need I cash to close on my HARP 2 Refinance?

By Scott Sheldon / December 13, 2012

What steps can be taken if the mortgage is now Freddie Mac?  Cenlar services the loan but doesn’t do refinancing.  I tried Quicken Loans but they wanted me to come out of my pocket for a lot of money.  I have 800+ credit, working, and just want a lower payment.  The market did depress the…

How can I get my credit score up to get a mortgage?

By Scott Sheldon / December 12, 2012

People thinking they can qualify for mortgage loan financing, learn after their credit report is pulled their credit score has dropped and they either cannot get the interest rate they were hoping for or they cannot in some cases get a mortgage loan at all. Action steps to get your credit score up pay down…