The Mortgage Files

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

How the FHA 100 mile rule limits your ability to rent out and buy a home

By Scott Sheldon / December 26, 2019

FHA Loans are one of the most flexible loan programs available in the US housing market today. They are incredibly flexible only require a 3.5% down payment and offers very makes sense underwriting. If you’re looking at an FHA loan however and you already own a house and your desiring to borrow money to buy…

How changing your income and job status may affect your mortgage chances

By Scott Sheldon / December 19, 2019

Securing mortgage loan financing requires an ample credit score enough equity and or down payment, but it also requires income. You must have documented proof of income as well as a two-year work history to qualify for nearly every mortgage loan program. The following scenarios could be particularly beneficial or problematic depending on your financial…

3 solid reasons why the best time to buy a home is towards the end of the year

By Scott Sheldon / December 12, 2019

One factor on every home buyer’s mind is whether they’re getting a deal. One of the best-kept secrets of in real estate buy at the end of the year if you can swing it. Every year the Federal Housing Finance Agency which oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac releases their annual loan limits. The loan…

New loan limits for 2020 makes getting a mortgage easier

By Scott Sheldon / December 1, 2019

The Federal Housing Finance Agency which oversees loans bought by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced to change to the conforming loan limit last week. Here’s what the change means for you… Every year the Federal Housing Finance Agency releases its loan limits for the next year. Over the last 4 years, the agency has…

3 pricey mortgage loan scenarios to watch for

By Scott Sheldon / November 24, 2019

When it comes to purchasing or refinancing a house one of the factors that can play a role in your ability to secure financing is your credit score, your property type and the purpose of what you’re desiring to secure that mortgage for. Here are some things to consider if you fall into one of…

What to expect with mortgage rates over the next few months

By Scott Sheldon / November 17, 2019

If you’ve been waiting to pull the trigger on a new house purchase or a refinance and you’re waiting for an interest rate you may get your wish over the course of the next couple of weeks. That said that’s not without some potential risk you otherwise might incur by waiting for what may or…

Should you Cash out refinance and remodel or buy another property?

By Scott Sheldon / November 10, 2019

Homeowners who have outgrown their houses may be considering the possibility of buying another property or just staying put and remodeling the one they already have. Here are some things to consider if you’re trying to determine what makes the most financial sense… When you buy your first home you might not be thinking about…

How your mortgage payment relates to purchase price

By Scott Sheldon / November 2, 2019

Buying a home means the careful planning of your finances and making sure it’s really something that you can support? One of the biggest challenges home buyers face is budgeting for a new mortgage payment. If you’re going to be buying a house here are the things you might want to consider as it relates…