The Mortgage Files

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

Why mortgage rates will not hit 7%

By Scott Sheldon / August 7, 2022

For those consumers out there, who have been on the fence about refinancing their mortgage or buying a home because of concern about interest rates, pay close attention to the facts. The economic drivers of rates are a tall tale sign of the future of mortgage rates… Inflation has driven mortgage rates up in the…

Should you buy a house or wait for the market to improve?

By Scott Sheldon / July 31, 2022

One of the biggest challenges is trying to pinpoint the right time to buy a home. Interest rates are in flux and housing prices are high in most markets. So, how do you decide when to pull the trigger for the big-ticket purchase? The first is to focus on the things that you can control.…

Why you can expect your home equity line of credit to cost more

By Scott Sheldon / July 24, 2022

Fed funds recently increased the rate by 75 basis points. This change to monetary policy also means your home equity line of credit costs more. The following is what you must know about a home equity line of credit… Home equity lines of credit are tied to the prime rate which is the Fed funds…

When is the right time to buy a house

By Scott Sheldon / July 17, 2022

You want to buy a house but you’re not sure if now is the right time with all the variables up in the air. It’s a big decision and one that should not be taken lightly. If you’re thinking about purchasing a home in the next few years, here are some things you should give…

Don’t be the “I don’t want to waste your time” consumer

By Scott Sheldon / July 10, 2022

People looking to buy or refinance a home may have been turned down by another mortgage company based on their financial situation. If you’ve been turned down before and you think all odds are against you don’t give up. The first step to failure is not to try. Simply put don’t be that customer that…

What’s the minimum down payment to buy a home?

By Scott Sheldon / July 6, 2022

The Internet does a wonderful job of supplying different information about the minimum down payment you need to buy a home. Read one article you’ll have an idea of what it would take, read another article, and its completely different information. So, how do you assimilate an endless amount of online information as it relates…

You just got notice to vacate, should you buy a house or continue to rent?

By Scott Sheldon / July 3, 2022

If you are presently renting and you received notification that your lease is no longer going to be renewed. Do you buy a new house to live in or continue renting? Here are some things to consider as it relates to deciding what you and your family should do big picture. Buying a house might…

When are housing prices going to return to normal?

By Scott Sheldon / June 29, 2022

For those that have been sitting on the sidelines, watching what’s happening in the market. Are you thinking to yourself “gosh I should have bought a house last year or a few years ago!” Remember, hindsight is 20-20 and you can’t regress you can only go forward. So, when are housing prices going to return…