The Mortgage Files

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

why being a picky home buyer could be an issue

Why being choosy as home buyer could be problematic

By Scott Sheldon / October 29, 2023

You’ve decided to buy a home, you’ve gotten preapproved with a lender, your file has even been pre-underwritten. Here are some things you might want to give some consideration to- what you want versus what the market might support… Here’s to considerations to think about.. Consideration one- Let’s say you’re pre-approved to $700,000, the house…

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can you buy a house with less than 600 credit score?

Can you buy a house with a less than 600 credit score?

By Scott Sheldon / October 1, 2023

For families were looking to buy a home one of the biggest setbacks people have been their credit score. The better the credit score the more likelihood you can get a loan. Everyone knows this, however, if your credit score needs a little bit of love, believe it or not there’s a mortgage loan programs…

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Should you buy a house or wait for the market to improve?

5 signs you should wait to buy a house

By Scott Sheldon / June 25, 2023

If you’re thinking about buying a home, but you’re just not sure. You’re probably better off listening to your gut. That looming credit card debt, or personal loan, that you just can’t seem to kick whatever the case may be here are five reasons you might want to think about waiting to purchase a home…

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how to refinance 2nd mortgage

Is is a second mortgage making your refinance harder? This tip may help…

By Scott Sheldon / May 7, 2020

Mortgage lenders sometimes take an overly gun shy approach to how a mortgage loan is originated. One such example of this is if you have a first and a second mortgage on your home. Let us say your goal is to refinance and to not get any money out but just combine the first and…

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How to get a mortgage if you've been furloughed to do to COVID_19

How to get a mortgage if you’ve been furloughed to do to COVID_19

By Scott Sheldon / April 9, 2020

The coronavirus has undoubtedly created a significant amount of challenges for mortgage companies and families across America. Some lenders are changing credit score requirements, others are pulling out of the market entirely, and others are making restrictions on what types of loans they will fund. If you are in the process of getting a mortgage…

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fannie made change to home appraisal covid_19

Fannie & Freddie change home mortgage appraisals over COVID_19

By Scott Sheldon / April 1, 2020

The coronavirus has just changed the way in which mortgage lenders are now appraising homes. Due to market volatility and changing market conditions, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac just recently announced that they’re going to be loosening appraisal standards. Here’s how these new appraisal standards apply to you… On purchase transactions for a primary residence…

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How to use seller carry financing to purchase a house with less cash down

Don’t make this home buying when negotiating the purchase price of a house

By Scott Sheldon / March 12, 2020

Buying a home is a high ticket purchase. It requires careful planning and due diligence. One of the biggest factors of buying a home is taking into consideration all the various reports, dates, and deadlines. It can be quite an ordeal of a process if it’s not handled correctly. Here is what to know… One…

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why your mortgage goals why not happen

Why your mortgage goals may not happen

By Scott Sheldon / March 3, 2020

If you’re desiring to refinance your house or even buy a new one and you don’t have several hundred thousand dollars, you’re probably going to need a mortgage. One of the things you should carefully consider is the mortgage company that you’re choosing to apply with. Here are some things you might want to think…

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