The Mortgage Files

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

What The 2014 FHA Loan Limits' Reduction Means For Home Buyers

By Scott Sheldon / December 15, 2013

The FHA announced they are reducing loan limits for 2014 in high-cost areas in an effort to scale back their role in the housing market. Looking back to 2008, financial markets depressed in the aftermath of the meltdown, economy on the verge of recession, enter loan bailout- the Federal Housing Administration. This direct government involvement…

How Do I Calculate Mortgage Insurance On A Conventional Loan?

By Scott Sheldon / December 12, 2013

Calculating monthly mortgage insurance on a conventional loan is best handled directly with the mortgage company whom you’re hiring to do your purchase preapproval and/or refinance loan with. However, to have a general understanding of how mortgage insurance works, know that it is required for any loan with less than 20% down. Plan on on…

Why Is My Mortgage Rate On My New Loan So High?

By Scott Sheldon / December 10, 2013

In short risk-based pricing, the higher the risk the lender incurs the higher the mortgage rate you will be quoted on the new mortgage. This  is especially true with conventional mortgages, not so much on the FHA variety. FHA unlike conventional loans does not discriminate to the degree conventional does based upon credit score. Following…

Why Multiple Financed Properties Can Be Pricey

By Scott Sheldon / December 8, 2013

Real estate investors get targeted the most by multiple finance property restrictions the majority of mortgage lenders enforce. To set the record straight a multiple financed property situation is when there is more than four  financed residential properties by anyone borrower/consumer. Multiple finance properties include every other residential property with debt- beyond the borrower’s primary…

Why The House Down Street Will Not Affect My Refinance?

By Scott Sheldon / December 2, 2013

Refinancing your home is based upon a variety of current listings as well as closed sales around your property. In most circumstances,  appraiser will look for comparable data in a half mile radius from the subject property, your home. They will take into consideration the main facts, lot size, property square footage, bedrooms and bathrooms…

Home Mortgage Loans That Won't Turn Back The Clock

By Scott Sheldon / November 30, 2013

Refinancing can be less appealing for many homeowners because the clock resets each time. In some circumstances, especially if you’re a few years away from paying off the home in full a refinancing may even not make sense. Ways to refi without starting the term over… The traditional 30 year fixed rate mortgage remains most…

How To Buy A Home By Selling Another

By Scott Sheldon / November 24, 2013

In the last few years, many consumers bought homes with low down payments and have seen a dramatic rise in their home-equity-opening the door to trade up to more a desirable homes and/or locations. Perhaps the family is expanding and or timing is right to trade up. As attractive as the concept sounds, due to…

Where is The Best Place To Shop Mortgage Rates?

By Scott Sheldon / November 20, 2013

This is the mother lode question on every consumer’s mind seeking mortgage loan financing. Everybody wants to get the lowest and best possible interest rate for their mortgage right? Obviously, the lowest possible interest rate and least possible cost is ideal. The cold reality is that after you close escrow rates can drop below what…