The Mortgage Files

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

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…

Why is My Home Loan Rate 3.5%, but my APR is 3.793

By Scott Sheldon / December 11, 2012

The difference in the interest rate and the annual percentage rate is the spread expressed as a dollar finance over the life of the loan. The aPR is always going to be higher than the mortgage rate because the APR, is a function of the total closing costs express as a dollar percentage over the…

Should I get a mortgage rate quote for a refinance from my current lender?

By Scott Sheldon / December 10, 2012

Many Big mortgage lenders who service loans and originate loans such as Citibank, Wells Fargo Bank of America etc. will many times offer sales promotions to their loan servicing channel. If you ever receive a phone call from your current mortgage lender offering your mortgage rate quote or refinance or telling you there is a…

Did Your Adjustable Rate Mortgage Reset? Directions to Mortgage Payment Clarity

By Scott Sheldon / December 10, 2012

In the last several years, many homeowners looking to take advantage of a lower monthly mortgage payments took out adjustable-rate mortgages to purchase or refinance their homes. As both mortgage rates and short-term interest rates, remain low it boils down to one financial decision at the end of the day; Keep or refinance your adjustable-rate…

Why Can't I Get The Refi Mortgage Rate I Saw In The News?

By Scott Sheldon / December 8, 2012

“Why can’t I get the mortgage rate for my refinance I saw in the news?” This question is asked on a daily basis. When you as a homeowner have a mortgage and are paying a certain percentage of the money you originally borrowed, you’re always going to be paying a little closer attention to those…