The Mortgage Files
Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.
How to cash out refinance a loan bigger than 417k
Lending guidelines were recently loosened on cash out refinance transactions. If you’re looking to refinance and pull out funds for home improvement, or another project, here’s what you should know if your loan size exceeds $417,000. Mortgage loans bigger than $417,000 are going to cost more. Here’s why: when a mortgage loan exceeds $417k the…
Read More about How to cash out refinance a loan bigger than 417kCan you benefit from an adjustable rate mortgage?
Most people who apply for mortgages base their decision on how much they can afford while keeping costs low and manageable. Here are some things to consider if you’re looking at a shorter-term financial picture… Fixed Rate vs. ARM The mortgage king is still the plain old 30 year fixed rate. On such a mortgage…
Read More about Can you benefit from an adjustable rate mortgage?Should you buy a fixer house?
Is the house in fair condition a good bet? Here are some things to consider if the affordable home you’re eyeing needs some work. The first thing to consider when buying a home is location. Location, location location is the credence held by most real estate experts. The reality of the market; true fixer homes…
Read More about Should you buy a fixer house?Mortgages: How to find the net tangible benefit through the fees, rate and payment
When shopping for a mortgage, it’s critical to have a general understanding of how the fees, rate and payment all connect to your bottom line. Here are tips better to identify your net tangible benefit on a home loan… Rates & fees The cost of an interest rate (mortgage pricing) moves with ebb and flow…
Read More about Mortgages: How to find the net tangible benefit through the fees, rate and paymentShould you pay off high interest debt first when getting a mortgage?
How you plan and budget your finances can have a big affect on whether or not you can qualify for a home loan. Following is what you should know if you’re trying to spruce up your financial picture for a mortgage… Not all debt is created equal. For sound financial planning purposes eliminating the expenses…
Read More about Should you pay off high interest debt first when getting a mortgage?What to do if you need last year’s income tax returns to get a mortgage
How’s your income? This is the first of many questions a banker is going to ask when you apply for a home loan. Here is how tax returns play a role in your ability to obtain mortgage loan financing. Generally, you need provide two years of 1040’s to a banker when applying for a home…
Read More about What to do if you need last year’s income tax returns to get a mortgageHow Often Can You Refinance Your Home?
There is no limitation to how frequently you can refinance your home. Do it as often and freely as you like as it financially makes sense to do so. Following are some things to consider when pulling the trigger… Closing Costs Are you throwing good money after bad? If you recently paid fees on your…
Read More about How Often Can You Refinance Your Home?Axing The Car Lease May Help Your Home Buying Efforts
Obtaining financing to buy a home is undoubtedly a process of documenting, explaining and documenting some more. Here is how a car lease can be a hurdle for home buying plan. Work-around options… What You Pay Counts When you apply for a mortgage loan, a mortgage broker is going tally up total payments you make…
Read More about Axing The Car Lease May Help Your Home Buying Efforts