The Mortgage Files

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

What happens with real estate prices when interest rates ultimately fall?

By Scott Sheldon / November 19, 2023

It’s no surprise that interest rates drive the housing market. If more people can buy a home, more demand is created and more demand drives housing prices up, which subsequently results in gaining home equity. Following are the dynamics that transpire in the market when interest rates come down… Homeowners stand to gain more equity…

Should you buy a more expensive home?

By Scott Sheldon / November 12, 2023

For families looking to purchase a home, a mortgage payment, and price of the home can go hand-in-hand decision making. If you find a house that could be a good fit for you and your family, but it seems a bit out of reach. Here are some things you might want to take some consideration…

How time to the market to buy a home

By Scott Sheldon / November 5, 2023

Everyone looking to buy a house is looking to get a “deal” to some degree. The home has to fit within the monthly budget in support of a sound financial decision. Part of this process is identifying marketing time so you can buy a home successfully… The great investor warren, Buffett has been quoted of…

Why being choosy as home buyer could be problematic

By Scott Sheldon / October 29, 2023

You’ve decided to buy a home, you’ve gotten preapproved with a lender, your file has even been pre-underwritten. Here are some things you might want to give some consideration to- what you want versus what the market might support… Here’s to considerations to think about.. Consideration one- Let’s say you’re pre-approved to $700,000, the house…

How your financial experience might hinder your ability to get a mortgage loan

By Scott Sheldon / October 23, 2023

Getting a loan to buy a home is a maze of questions, examinations, along with an array of emotions. Here are some things to consider that might hinder your ability to get a mortgage loan… You have a strong financial situation. Let’s say you’ve got strong income and or revenue within your business, excellent credit, cash…

Does the house you want to buy need work?

By Scott Sheldon / October 15, 2023

As you get preapproved and embark on your homebuying journey, you will soon discover an array of different homes. Some homes are in good condition, some in excellent condition and others perhaps in poor condition. Here are some things to consider as it relates to whether the house truly needs work when deciding to make…

Should you buy a home in cash or finance it?

By Scott Sheldon / October 8, 2023

If you’re looking to buy a house and you have the economic means to do so, you might be considering whether it makes sense to buy the house in cash and be mortgage free or take out mortgage loan. At the end of the day, it boils down to personal preference, However, before you make…

Can you buy a house with a less than 600 credit score?

By Scott Sheldon / October 1, 2023

For families were looking to buy a home one of the biggest setbacks people have been their credit score. The better the credit score the more likelihood you can get a loan. Everyone knows this, however, if your credit score needs a little bit of love, believe it or not there’s a mortgage loan programs…