The Mortgage Files

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

6 questions every lender will ask

By Scott Sheldon / November 14, 2016

Like it or not when you apply for a mortgage you’re going to go through financial scrutiny. How well your financial picture is in order will determine an easy, slow or difficult process. Here’s what you need to know when your file is reviewed… Mortgage underwriting in today’s environment is a very bureaucratic process. The…

The ideal mortgage candidate

By Scott Sheldon / November 7, 2016

When it comes time to purchase or refinance a home lenders are look for a certain financial profile. Your financial profile should have these things… There is four things lenders look at when deciding whether not to grant you financing and having a balance of each will score you better terms and an easier process.…

Are we in a housing bubble?

By Scott Sheldon / October 25, 2016

As prices continue to climb many are wondering if there’s going to be a pop similar to the financial crisis.  Here is the reality of mortgage and housing market… The financial crisis was brought on by the subprime meltdown. The subprime mortgage products that were available led to the financial collapse of America and the…

Should you really buy that home?

By Scott Sheldon / October 12, 2016

Buying a home is no easy feat. There’s a lot of paperwork and you need to be on top of your to secure the big ticket purchase. How do determine if you should pull the trigger or wait… Banks will let you take on a mortgage payment at no bigger than 45% of your monthly…

Should you go FHA or Conventional?

By Scott Sheldon / September 21, 2016

FHA loans and conventional loans remain the most popular financing type for today’s mortgage borrowers. Here’s how to determine which program makes the most financial sense for you… FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration. The program contains two forms of mortgage insurance; an upfront mortgage insurance premium calculated at 1.75% of the…

How to evaluate buying a rental property

By Scott Sheldon / September 6, 2016

Buying a rental property can be very lucrative and sound financial vestment. Here’s how to determine whether not buying a rental property with financing makes sense. Location, location, location Location for the property is critical. It is often thought a rental property is more dollars and cents transaction with less focus on location. While this…

Waiting for rates to drop on a new mortgage?

By Scott Sheldon / August 31, 2016

It’s no secret interest rates are the main driver of the nation’s loan volume. Fixed rate mortgages are currently sub 4%. Here is why waiting for a better rate could be risky could move… The markets will continue to move The pricing associated with interest rates moves daily, in some cases multiple times per day.…

Getting a mortgage is still not an easy process

By Scott Sheldon / August 25, 2016

Well it might appear as though getting a mortgage is easier than it was a few years ago, the process is still dicey.  It is no secret in the industry the majority of loans do not close on time. Here’s what you need to know if you’re going to be getting a mortgage in the…