The Mortgage Files
Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.
What kind of home buyer are you?
Buying a home whether it be your first home or even a second home should be done with prudence and care. You should be looking at homes that you have a shot of getting. Here’s why… In many markets, there is a lack of supply and big demand for housing. This scenario is creating multiple…
Read More about What kind of home buyer are you?Why a car lease can harm your mortgage possibilities
Unlike an auto loan, a lease is a short debt that contain a future pay off. Here is why a lease can hurt your chances of getting a mortgage… Lenders look at the minimum monthly obligations that you pay on your debts. They take those minimum payments and add those to a proposed total mortgage…
Read More about Why a car lease can harm your mortgage possibilitiesHow Fannie Mae’s debt to income change may help you get a mortgage
Fannie Mae recently announced changes to its debt-to-income ratio policy, increasing its allowance from 45% to 50% starting on July 29th. Here is what that’s going to mean for mortgage borrowers going forward… A debt-to-income ratio is the benchmark tool lenders use to determine a borrower’s ability to repay. Such things as minimum payments on car…
Read More about How Fannie Mae’s debt to income change may help you get a mortgageIs the end near for Dodd Frank?
Dodd Frank is the financial overhaul that took place a couple of years ago in the aftermath of the financial crisis. The House of Representatives on Thursday, June 18, are advancing a bill known as the Financial Choice Act putting into motion a series of events that may lead to the demise of Dodd Frank.…
Read More about Is the end near for Dodd Frank?How to buy a home when you have one to sell first
Purchasing a home can be tricky if you have a home to sell first. For many, the opportunity to purchase a new home can only come from the sale of the home they currently own. Here are some tips to help navigate hurdles of buying a home when going in “contingent”. You want to purchase…
Read More about How to buy a home when you have one to sell firstTax return losses may hurt your mortgage chances
Qualifying for a mortgage involves: an acceptable credit score, sufficient assets and stable income. These are to show you can support a mortgage payment, plus other liabilities. You must have a balance of all three to successfully qualify for financing. The following is what you must know when trying to qualify with “paper losses” on…
Read More about Tax return losses may hurt your mortgage chancesHere is the lowest credit score you need to get a mortgage
Contrary to what you may hear or read, your credit does not have to be stellar to get a mortgage. Most banks and lenders require at least a 640 credit score. However, not all lenders are created equally. Here is what you need to know if you are trying to get a mortgage with bad…
Read More about Here is the lowest credit score you need to get a mortgageWhy you cannot opt out of title insurance when getting a mortgage
If you are like most consumers, you want to have a clear understanding of the fees associated with a mortgage. The closing process, lender fees, title fees, etc. This is so you know exactly how all the numbers add up. Here is something you need to know regarding getting title insurance when purchasing or refinancing…
Read More about Why you cannot opt out of title insurance when getting a mortgage