The Mortgage Files

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

Does Improving Your Credit Score For A Mortgage Pencil Out?

By Scott Sheldon / September 7, 2015

Credit is the biggest hot button topic in mortgage lending by far. Most would probably agree, any time you can raise your credit score to improve your mortgage scenario, take advantage of it. Every situation is different and here’s what to be mindful if your credit needs a little love. There are three different loan…

Here Is The Biggest Obstacle First-Time Home Buyers Face And Its Not Credit Score

By Scott Sheldon / September 4, 2015

It is no secret the cost of housing is expensive. Rising rents, and a strong real estate market, make it harder for first-time buyers to get a piece of the American dream.  Buying a home means getting yourself credit worthy in these four areas: Credit Debt Income Assets If you do not know where you…

The Truth About The Media’s Reporting On Interest Rates

By Scott Sheldon / September 2, 2015

Have ever heard about mortgage rates in the media only to then call a mortgage company and receive conflicting information? Here is why the media’s reporting on rates should be taken with a grain of salt… Know this-real time information is critical. When you hear about mortgage rates moving in the news, by the time…

Why Cash Is king In Real Estate Negotiation

By Scott Sheldon / August 28, 2015

It is no surprise there is significantly more demand for housing than there is enough supply creating intense competition. If you’re pre-approved and home hunting, here’s what you need to know if your competition has cash… All Cash Offers No matter what there is a chance you will lose out to the competition on a…

How Much Down Payment Percent You Need To Buy A Home

By Scott Sheldon / August 27, 2015

Consumers looking into the possibility of buying a home should know you need less money than you think. Here’s the amount of cash you need to buy a home, and what you need to know using as little down as possible… Cash Needed Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need 20% down. The minimum down…

The Recent Mortgage Guideline Changes That Could Save Your Loan

By Scott Sheldon / August 22, 2015

The challenges consumers have faced in recent years in procuring a mortgage may be coming to an end. Here are four major changes making your mortgage easier… Landlord History-until recently, in order to qualify for conventional loan financing you needed to show a history of being a landlord for the most recent last 24 months.…

The Way Lenders Price & Quote Mortgages

By Scott Sheldon / August 12, 2015

Here is why your interest and fees may be different than you what you saw in the news. How rates and risk based pricing affects your loan…. Mortgage Ads & The Media When you see ultra attractive loan offers or hear the media touting the latest development in interest rates, take it with a grain…

How To Fix 4 Common Roadblocks You May Encounter On Your Mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / August 8, 2015

Applying for a residential mortgage loan these days does require heavy detailed documentation. Everything from full tax returns, to pay stubs, to bank statements to letters of explanation regarding your credit, debt, income, and assets is the norm. Here are four common underwriting roadblocks and how to fix them… Change To Income– let’s say the…