The Mortgage Files

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

How to get a mortgage for a manufactured home without mortgage insurance

By Scott Sheldon / December 23, 2016

If you own a manufactured home, or if you are looking to purchase one, here is what you need to know when it comes to mortgage loan financing: Manufactured homes are not the same thing as modular homes. Manufactured homes are constructed, purchased at a dealer, and then moved to their final destination where they…

5 things to avoid after you sign a purchase contract to buy a home

By Scott Sheldon / December 13, 2016

Shockingly enough people still do the things that can cause themselves heart ache when buying a home. Here’s what you need to know plan on buying a home… Your ability to buy a home rests on the numbers and documentation your mortgage lender has. If there is a change in any of these things, your…

FHA loan limits for 2017 rise

By Scott Sheldon / December 7, 2016

Just before Thanksgiving the Federal Housing Finance Agency released the conforming loan limits change for 2017. This change resulted in higher loan limits beginning in January for many counties across the country. The FHA has now followed suit. Here is what to know about the FHA Loan Limits changes… The Federal Housing Administration is the…

2017 Loan Limits Change Makes It Easier To Get A Mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / November 29, 2016

The Federal Housing Finance Agency just recently released that the loan limits for 2017 are going up. In many areas throughout the country loan amount sizes are increasing. In particular the conforming loan limit has also risen from $417,000 to $424,100. Here’s what this means… Rising loan limits make it easier to secure mortgage financing.…

Which option makes the most sense for cash out refinancing?

By Scott Sheldon / November 25, 2016

If you have the need to borrow money, but you don’t want to tap your assets cash out refinancing your home could be a good move. Here’s what to consider when determining what option for cash out refinance your home makes the most financial sense… Generally, when expense such as needing a new roof, or…

6 questions every lender will ask

By Scott Sheldon / November 14, 2016

Like it or not when you apply for a mortgage you’re going to go through financial scrutiny. How well your financial picture is in order will determine an easy, slow or difficult process. Here’s what you need to know when your file is reviewed… Mortgage underwriting in today’s environment is a very bureaucratic process. The…

The ideal mortgage candidate

By Scott Sheldon / November 7, 2016

When it comes time to purchase or refinance a home lenders are look for a certain financial profile. Your financial profile should have these things… There is four things lenders look at when deciding whether not to grant you financing and having a balance of each will score you better terms and an easier process.…

Are you a physician? Getting a mortgage just got easier…

By Scott Sheldon / November 2, 2016

One of more unique ways borrowers in the health care industry can get a mortgage is the doctor’s loan. Here’s how the flexible program works… One of the benefits of being a physician when it comes time to getting a mortgage is having more financial flexibility. This can help bridge the gap between renting and…