The Mortgage Files

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

Here is what to expect about today’s mortgage loan process

By Scott Sheldon / October 6, 2019

Mortgage loan financing is a little bit of a cryptic process to some people. Talk to your friend your neighbor your parent and everyone will have their story about what their individual loan process was some good, some bad and some in between. Here is the nature of mortgage lending and how the process works…

Why the purchase price should not be the single most important factor

By Scott Sheldon / September 8, 2019

When buying a home most would believe the number one most important thing you need to be focused on is what you pay for the house. Mom and dad who bought their house years ago, Grandma and Grandpa who bought their house back in the early 1980s when housing prices were $40,000 all have an…

Could the 30 year fixed mortgage get to 3%?

By Scott Sheldon / August 25, 2019

Interest rates right now are very close to their all-time historical lows. We’ve seen this a few times before. Here’s what you need to consider when getting what you perceive as the best mortgage rate… Mortgage rates are in flux and have been in flux since the United States started keeping track of these numbers…

Should you go FHA or conventional for purchasing your first home?

By Scott Sheldon / August 4, 2019

Buying your first home should be handled with extreme care including selecting which mortgage loan program makes the most financial sense. Following is what you ought to consider when looking at both mortgage loan programs … Loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are conventional loans which require a minimum down payment of 5%…

Here are 2 mortgage process problems you will want to avoid

By Scott Sheldon / July 28, 2019

Securing mortgage loan financing is the cornerstone of financial prosperity in America. It’s one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever take on your life. Here’s watch to avoid when applying for a high-ticket mortgage… Make no mistake the way mortgage companies must originate loans is 100% controlled by the federal government. That means the “asks”…

What you need to know about the mortgage 4506T document

By Scott Sheldon / July 14, 2019

What you need to know about the mortgage 4506 document when purchasing or refinancing a house When you’re taking on a mortgage to purchase or refinance a property you must provide an ample supply of supporting financial documentation. One such document the lender is going to ask you for is to execute of 4506t document.…

Here is a legit non-traditional income program for self-employed mortgage borrowers

By Scott Sheldon / June 30, 2019

Traditionally, self-employed mortgage borrowers are more heavily scrutinized by mortgage companies because of their gyrating income. If their business stops the revenue stops and their ability to make a mortgage payment could be impacted. That’s the rationale behind why lenders look at self-employed borrowers more stringently. Lenders request both personal and or corporate returns from…

Should you buy & build or buy a single family home?

By Scott Sheldon / June 23, 2019

  Purchasing a house is representative of so many different things in life depending on who you ask. Buying a lot and constructing is a monstrous project requiring long-term planning. Here’s some things to consider if you’re trying to weigh out the options… Let’s first look at the example of building home. Building a home…