The Mortgage Files

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

Does your credit score really drop when applying for a mortgage?

By Scott Sheldon / May 30, 2016

If you are hesitant to apply for a mortgage because you think your credit score will drop, think again. Here is what happens when you apply for a mortgage and get your credit pulled… Many online articles would have you believe your credit score automatically drops when you apply for a loan. This is not…

How mortgage lender can make a loan work when another cannot

By Scott Sheldon / May 20, 2016

Ever work with a mortgage company to later on find your loan won’t work, and another delivers? There’s a reason for it. Here’s what you should know about mortgage companies. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has safeguards in place to make sure mortgage companies operate off of a level playing field with consumers. The level…

Yes you don’t need tax returns to get a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / May 16, 2016

If you were planning to buy a home or refinance one you already own, expect a lot of paperwork. Here’s one thing you probably didn’t know – tax returns are not required all the time. Are you self-employed or W-2? If you are a W-2 wage earner there is lower likelihood for needing to provide…

How to buy a home and finance the repairs at the same time

By Scott Sheldon / May 5, 2016

You’re preapproved; suddenly a home matching your criteria pops up on the market. Then it hits you, the house needs a ton of work. Here are things to consider when the house you’re trying to buy house needs tender loving care… The reality is resale homes may need work including everything from a new roof,…

New underwriting guidelines coming June 25 may change your mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / April 28, 2016

New changes coming to Fannie Mae’s automated underwriting system June 25 could change the way you get a mortgage. Here’s how… Fannie Mae has announced the way they look at credit is about to change for all loan applications dated June 25, 2016 or after. Lenders use Fannie Mae’s automated underwriting system (Desktop Underwriter) for…

Mortgage after loan modification? Here’s how…

By Scott Sheldon / April 19, 2016

One of the challenges many homeowners faced in the recession was financial hardships. Loan modifications were often a short term solutions banks used for homeowners facing delinquency, income changes, or loss of home-equity. If you’ve had a loan modification in your past here’s what you need to know… What is a loan modification? A loan…

Can you get a USDA loan anymore?

By Scott Sheldon / April 13, 2016

One mortgage loan program popular in the last few years is the USDA loan. The program allows for you to buy a home with no money down and low monthly mortgage insurance. Here’s what you need to know if you’re interested in this type of financing. What the program entails The US Department of Agriculture…

Buy a condo or a single family home?

By Scott Sheldon / April 8, 2016

When the time homes to buy your first home, you will have options galore. Here’s how to decide if you should purchase a single-family home or a more affordable condominium unit. Undoubtedly, buying a home is without doubt the largest financial decision you’ll probably make in your lifetime. It is critical to make sure the…