The Mortgage Files

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

How to buy a home and finance the repairs at the same time

By Scott Sheldon / May 5, 2016

You’re preapproved; suddenly a home matching your criteria pops up on the market. Then it hits you, the house needs a ton of work. Here are things to consider when the house you’re trying to buy house needs tender loving care… The reality is resale homes may need work including everything from a new roof,…

New underwriting guidelines coming June 25 may change your mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / April 28, 2016

New changes coming to Fannie Mae’s automated underwriting system June 25 could change the way you get a mortgage. Here’s how… Fannie Mae has announced the way they look at credit is about to change for all loan applications dated June 25, 2016 or after. Lenders use Fannie Mae’s automated underwriting system (Desktop Underwriter) for…

Can you get a USDA loan anymore?

By Scott Sheldon / April 13, 2016

One mortgage loan program popular in the last few years is the USDA loan. The program allows for you to buy a home with no money down and low monthly mortgage insurance. Here’s what you need to know if you’re interested in this type of financing. What the program entails The US Department of Agriculture…

Buy a condo or a single family home?

By Scott Sheldon / April 8, 2016

When the time homes to buy your first home, you will have options galore. Here’s how to decide if you should purchase a single-family home or a more affordable condominium unit. Undoubtedly, buying a home is without doubt the largest financial decision you’ll probably make in your lifetime. It is critical to make sure the…

How to get a mortgage with a brand-new job

By Scott Sheldon / March 31, 2016

Changing jobs is a natural byproduct of an ongoing career. If trying to look good for a bank, here is what you need to know for your new job to count for a mortgage. Mortgage companies typically want you to have the same field of work for the most recent last two years. A solid…

These ridiculous things could be needed to buy a home

By Scott Sheldon / March 27, 2016

It is no secret getting approved for a mortgage loan requires a fair amount of paperwork. Here is what you should know if there if there is anything questionable in your past… When you apply for a mortgage for the first time or you’re a little rusty on the process, it’s reasonable to expect some…

3 spots your down payment monies should not be

By Scott Sheldon / March 18, 2016

Buying home is probably the largest financial transaction you will ever do life. Where you store your down payment funds can mean difference between a smooth or dicey process… Buying a home does require a down payment of at least 3.5%. While there are programs which require no money down, most have more restrictive income…

Should you pay off high interest debt first when getting a mortgage?

By Scott Sheldon / January 22, 2016

How you plan and budget your finances can have a big affect on whether or not you can qualify for a home loan. Following is what you should know if you’re trying to spruce up your financial picture for a mortgage… Not all debt is created equal. For sound financial planning purposes eliminating the expenses…