The Mortgage Files

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

How To Save When Refinancing A Mortgage Bigger Than 417k

By Scott Sheldon / June 12, 2015

If recent mortgage rate movement has spooked you into refinancing, you’ll want make sure to pay particularly close attention if your loan size is bigger than $417,000. Jumbo investors in the marketplace are offering lucrative rates and deals. Which Investor Plays a Role It does not matter where you apply for a mortgage. Whether you…

How Buying A Home Will Make You More Credit Worthy

By Scott Sheldon / June 5, 2015

If you have never owned a home before or it’s been a few years since you have, you’re missing out on credit advantages. That’s right, when you buy a home you automatically become more credit worthy. Remember these tips when inking a real estate deal… Recorded Legal Transaction When you rent, you have an agreement…

3 Real No Income, No Appraisal, No Debt Ratio Loan Programs To Know About

By Scott Sheldon / May 29, 2015

Looking to avoid all the paperwork associated with getting a mortgage? Here are three loan programs with no laundry list. See if you’re eligible… Most mortgage loan products require you to provide two years of tax returns and W-2s, 30 days of pay stubs and at least two months of bank statements to provide a…

How Conventional Loans Can Get Pricey

By Scott Sheldon / May 21, 2015

 Conventional loans are crème de la crème of home mortgage market. This loan type offers the best possible terms and fees along sustainable long-term affordability. Little equity and credit blemishes can make your mortgage more pricey. What to know… Conventional Loans Mortgages originated by banks, lenders and brokers across the country and sold on the…

Using APR To Distinguish Between Mortgage Offers

By Scott Sheldon / May 14, 2015

Everyone wants to know they’re getting a fair and reasonable mortgage offer. The federal government supports the annual percentage rate disclosure as the benchmark barometer of loan cost. Here are the facts… Quick APR Tidbits The annual percentage rate is a disclosure only seen in the origination of new credit or in advertisements of various…

How To Prevent Common Surprises In The Mortgage Loan Process

By Scott Sheldon / May 7, 2015

All too often, the water cooler talk circulates and the stories about mortgage companies dropping the ball become ingrained with would be borrowers and the real estate community alike. How to stop changes before they happen… Rates & Loan Fees Change Fees changing and rising, sting the most. Nothing is more frustrating for a consumer…

Will Paying Off My Mortgage Hurt My Credit Score?

By Scott Sheldon / May 2, 2015

No one actually wants a mortgage. A mortgage is simply a means to an end, if you don’t have the cash. Ridding yourself of the financial obligation is the next best thing, but could it come at the expense of your credit score? What to know… Mortgage Affects On Credit Score Nothing can help or…

How To Land A Mortgage Post Loan Modification

By Scott Sheldon / April 24, 2015

If you completed a loan modification in the past, you’ll need to meet certain credit thresholds to get a green light for a new loan. What to know… What Is A Loan Modification? A loan modification also known as a restructured mortgage is a loan in which the original terms of the transaction changed resulting…