The Mortgage Files

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

Calculator and mortgage loan documents showing monthly savings on a refinance

When to Refinance Your Mortgage: Key Factors for Lowering Costs

By Scott Sheldon / November 6, 2024

When to Refinance Your Mortgage: Key Factors for Lowering Costs If you’ve bought a home recently or are considering lowering your mortgage rate, knowing when to refinance can make a significant financial difference. Many homeowners are looking for opportunities to reduce monthly payments or eliminate private mortgage insurance (PMI). Here are essential guidelines to help…

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A potential homebuyer is sitting at a desk, reviewing their credit report with a concerned expression. Papers and documents related to home loans are scattered on the table, including a visible credit score report with a lower-than-ideal score. A mortgage loan officer is standing nearby, offering advice and support, symbolizing the collaborative approach to improving credit and navigating financial hurdles. The atmosphere suggests a professional but hopeful tone, with natural lighting in a clean, modern office space. The image captures the emotional moment of seeking guidance when facing credit challenges in the homebuying process

How to Buy a House Even with a Low Credit Score: The Real Story

By Scott Sheldon / October 29, 2024

When thinking about homeownership, many people assume their credit score is a barrier. The reality, however, often extends beyond just your credit score. Concerns like not having a sufficient down payment, limited savings, or carrying significant debt such as car loans or credit card balances often cloud the full picture. If you’ve been told by…

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Navigating the "As-Is" Housing Market: Smart Offers for Homes Needing Repairs

The Realities of Buying a Home That Needs Repairs: What You Should Know Before Making an Offer

By Scott Sheldon / October 22, 2024

You’re pre-approved for a mortgage and excited to begin your home search with your real estate agent. As you look for single-family homes, a common pattern may emerge—many homes may need some level of repair. Maybe the roof needs replacing, the gutters are old, or perhaps the exterior paint is peeling. It could be as…

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"A concerned homeowner holding mortgage documents in front of a house, with fluctuating interest rates represented in the background, symbolizing the uncertainty and risks of refinancing."

The Hidden Risk of Lower Interest Rates: Why Refinancing May Not Be as Simple as It Seems

By Scott Sheldon / October 2, 2024

The Hidden Risk of Lower Interest Rates: Why Refinancing May Not Be as Simple as It Seems As the possibility of lower interest rates looms on the horizon, many homeowners and buyers are excited about the idea of refinancing their loans and saving on their monthly payments. However, there’s a risk that comes with those…

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"A person standing in front of a 'For Sale' sign outside a suburban house, holding a clipboard and looking uncertain, reflecting hesitation about buying a home. The house has a well-kept lawn and a clear blue sky in the background, symbolizing the decision-making process in home ownership."

4 Signs You’re Not Ready to Buy a House

By Scott Sheldon / September 23, 2024

4 signs you’re not ready to buy a house when it comes to purchasing a home. It’s probably one of the highest-ticket purchases you’ll ever make in life, if not the most high-ticket purchase. You want to, of course, make sure that affordability is number one. This is primary, above all else. However, just because…

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A person sits thoughtfully at a desk, surrounded by mortgage documents, with items like a firefighter's helmet, a teacher's apple, and a tech gadget representing different professions. The setting combines a professional atmosphere with a cozy, homey background, illustrating the balance of multiple careers and mortgage planning

How to get an FHA mortgage with multiple jobs

By Scott Sheldon / September 11, 2024

When it comes to securing a mortgage through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), understanding the nuances of income qualification can be crucial, especially for those with multiple job streams. The FHA’s primary aim is to ensure that the income used to qualify for a mortgage is stable, predictable, and likely to continue. Here’s a deeper…

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Modern house with a 'Sold' sign in the front yard, symbolizing successful real estate transactions. In the background, a clipboard with appraisal documents and a magnifying glass emphasizes the importance of accurate property valuations and working with an experienced lender

Why Your Lease is Not a Barrier to Homeownership

By Scott Sheldon / August 27, 2024

For many families considering buying a home, the belief that they cannot proceed because they are bound by a lease is a common misconception. Depending on your state, a lease is not necessarily a barrier to homeownership. If you’re renting and your rent payment is $3,000 a month with another six months left on your…

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Why Waiting for the Perfect Mortgage Rate Might Cost You More Than You Think

Why Waiting for the Perfect Mortgage Rate Might Cost You More Than You Think

By Scott Sheldon / August 14, 2024

Mortgage rates are constantly fluctuating, especially during periods of economic uncertainty or disruption, such as an upcoming election. As we approach the November elections, we can expect the markets to be more volatile, affecting both stocks and mortgage rates. Given these fluctuations, waiting for long-term interest rates to drop before refinancing may not be the…

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