The Mortgage Files
Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.
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 shareHow saving plays a role in your home buying plan
Saving up to buy a home is no easy feat. Here’s what you should take into consideration when planning out a home purchase. One of the key components of being able to successfully buy a home is having enough cash for a down payment plus closing costs. Generally, you’ll need at least $20,000 to buy…
Read More about How saving plays a role in your home buying planIs down payment assistance worth it to a buy a home?
If you’re looking to buy a house with little or no cash your options may be limited. Here is what you need to know to get your foot in the door, successfully… Down payment assistance programs Down payment assistance can be sponsored by a local state or government entity or entity grant. Essentially, down payment…
Read More about Is down payment assistance worth it to a buy a home?