The Mortgage Files

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

Why the VA mortgage is the best home loan

By Scott Sheldon / April 9, 2019

If you served in the military a VA mortgage if you can qualify supports, the maximal amount of borrowing power with the lowest possible payment. Here are some things to consider when looking at a VA mortgage… The US Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees loans up to 100% loan to value for purchase rate and…

Here’s what you should be focused on when buying a home and it’s not the purchase price

By Scott Sheldon / April 5, 2019

Buying a home for the first time or even a second or third time is a detailed and meticulous endeavor that should be carefully considered by weighing out all your options. Consider this when buying a home with a mortgage… The problem homebuyers can sometimes run into is it they get so wrapped around the…

Can you use roommate income to get a mortgage?

By Scott Sheldon / March 26, 2019

Refinancing or purchasing a house requires an apple supply of cash, credit and income. Here’s what you need to know with regards to getting a mortgage loan with roommate income. Generally, to get a mortgage you cannot use roommate income to qualify. In the lending world this type of income is called border income. Most…

Here’s how to get the most benefit from your first-time home buyer researching

By Scott Sheldon / March 19, 2019

As a first-time home buyer taking the plunge to home ownership is a big step. You need to be feeling good about your personal debts and cash flow. Here is what you want to consider when researching so you can make the most informed home buying decision… The things you should consider when deciding whether…

What loan program you may be eligible for based on your credit score

By Scott Sheldon / March 12, 2019

Your credit plays an infinite role in your ability to get a mortgage loan. How good your credit stacks and what your credit history reveals may direct you into one program versus another. Here’s how your credit score drives what program you are eligible for. It’s no secret getting a mortgage is a bureaucratic and…

Common questions on financed pmi mortgage loans

By Scott Sheldon / February 26, 2019

The two most common loans available in the marketplace are Conventional loans and FHA Loans. FHA Loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and Conventional mortgages are backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. When you use an FHA loan to purchase or refinance a house there is an upfront mortgage insurance premium calculated…

Why you may need to pay the piper with your self-employed income for a loan

By Scott Sheldon / February 12, 2019

Applying to purchase or refinance a mortgage is going to require you providing an ample supply of credit, cash and documentable income to support the loan that you are seeking. Contrary to popular belief a mortgage loan is not made against the property, but rather against your ability to repay. Here’s some things you need…

The #1 mistake consumers make when getting a mortgage…

By Scott Sheldon / February 5, 2019

To apply for a mortgage, get approved and close escrow you must have some sense of urgency. Whether you are buying a home or refinancing a home, your mortgage application needs to get moved up the priority scale in your life. If you don’t have that sense of urgency you may leave money on the…