The Mortgage Files

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

Using Your Brand New Job Or Promotion To Get A Mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / July 14, 2014

Just recently have a job change or receive a promotion? Despite what you might hear, it is still very possible to qualify for a mortgage to buy of refinance a home using your new income.  The lending atmosphere is ripe with misconceptions about job gaps, job changes and occupational changes within the course of an…

How To Buy Out An Ex-Spouse From A Home

By Scott Sheldon / July 6, 2014

Stuck paying for a house that’s no longer yours? Buying your spouse out of a property can be dicey especially, if both parties are not in agreement with one another on the debt and equity objectives. Following are ways, to separate and pay off an ex-spouse when getting a mortgage. Divorced Or Separated? If you…

Buying A Home In A Competitive Real Estate Market? Tips To Increase Your Odds

By Scott Sheldon / June 29, 2014

Demand for real estate is prevalent is many markets across the country, one of the challenges that inevitably  follows suit, is a particularly competitive real estate climate. All cash offers, offers going for thousands over list price, and a continual squeezing between affordability and prices in a given area, only adds to the frustrations many…

How To Avoid Monthly PMI With Less Than 20% Down

By Scott Sheldon / June 21, 2014

Buying a primary home?  The 20% down rule is yesterday’s news. More down payment options exist, including both government and private sector alternatives, allowing more flexible choices. Don’t be fooled however, as most of the programs that allow for less than 20% down include PMI, an added premium built into the mortgage payment. If you…

5 Frequent Credit Mistakes Mortgage Shoppers Should Pay Attention To

By Scott Sheldon / June 7, 2014

While credit standard have somewhat loosened up in home lending, make no mistake, getting a mortgage these days, is still an unraveling of your complete financial picture, with strong significance given to your current credit and liabilities. Following are the five most common credit mistakes would be borrowers should know that may affect their loan…

Why Auto Loans And Home Loans Do Not Mix

By Scott Sheldon / June 3, 2014

The next time you’re in the market for a car, do not plan on seeing a disclosure or a word of caution from the salesman about how buying that car with financing could adversely affect your chances for making a higher ticket purchase, like a house. Unfortunately, an auto loan will affect your ability to…

Carrying A Rental Property May Hurt Your Mortgage Chances

By Scott Sheldon / May 25, 2014

Do you own rental property? If yes, and you’re looking to borrow money with a new mortgage, your gain or loss identified by your tax returns may help or hinder your chances of procuring favorable credit. Lenders can use up to 75% of the rents generated, however, if there is a history of rental losses,…

Its Not Just Your Credit Score That Counts For Getting A Mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / May 18, 2014

The credit and financial choices you make today shape your future chances of procuring credit. If have a tarnished credit history, while you still may be able to qualify, it will be a document heavy process. Little lending nuances that may arise if you have credit inconsistencies… Your Credit History Matters Importance of credit is…