The Mortgage Files
Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.
3 things you must have for a mortgage loan
If you’ve never bought a home before or it has been many years since your last mortgage transaction, you’ll need to freshen up on the basics. What lenders look for… The 3 c’s Cash-this one is a biggie. You need to have cash to buy a house pure and simple. Gone are the days of…
Read More about 3 things you must have for a mortgage loanShould you refinance your house with a direct-mail mortgage offer?
Many homeowners are often inundated by the amount of junk mail offers they receive each month. Here is what to think about if you’re considering refinancing with a direct-mail solicitor… Confusing pitch You receive a letter in the mailbox about a refinance offer saying the mortgage offer is a fixed rate loan with an ultra…
Read More about Should you refinance your house with a direct-mail mortgage offer?What to know about low score mortgages
Credit scores play a vital role in your ability to get a home mortgage. Here’s what you need to know if you are applying with a low credit score… First things first credit scores are used to predict the likelihood of a payment default in the next 60 days. A lower credit score will result…
Read More about What to know about low score mortgages3 things you will not like about today’s mortgage process
These things about today’s mortgage loan process will drive you crazy. Know what lenders will want…. Patriot Act This says lenders do not make loans to drug dealers, money launderers or terrorists. Obviously, 99.9% of today’s mortgage loan borrowers are completely on the up and up. However, this does not change the fact mortgage lenders…
Read More about 3 things you will not like about today’s mortgage processThis recent change just made getting a mortgage easier
Been turned down for a mortgage recently? Fear not, this recent change to conventional mortgages just made your chances of qualifying easier. Here is the latest … Fannie Mae recently changed their policy regarding restructured loans virtually eliminating many roadblocks. Fannie Mae had extra credit requirements in place for borrowers who had restructured mortgages in…
Read More about This recent change just made getting a mortgage easierHow to score a jumbo mortgage with less than 20% down
Looking to finance a big mortgage? Here’s some tips you can take to the bank… Most jumbo investors still have tight credit guidelines. Jumbo loans are any residential mortgage sizes greater than the county high balance loan limit. In Sonoma County, CA the maximum loan size for a single-family home is $554,300 making anything larger…
Read More about How to score a jumbo mortgage with less than 20% downWhat your loan amount covers when refinancing
Refinancing can shave years off your loan and help you pay off your home faster. Here’s what to consider when refinancing… When you refinance your home your loan amount can be whatever you choose it to be. It can be a lower than what you currently owe on your home which would require bringing in…
Read More about What your loan amount covers when refinancingCan you really afford the home? Here is what banks will not share
Just because the bank will let you buy more does not mean you should. Be a well informed home buyer by taking the following tips into consideration when making the big ticket decision… Banks are for profit. They make money by making loans and it is up to you the consumer to decide when, how…
Read More about Can you really afford the home? Here is what banks will not share