The Mortgage Files

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

Pinpointing Your Rate When Refinancing Your Mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / August 26, 2013

Timing the market, determining the best time to lock in your mortgage rate when refinancing your house, welcome to the numbers game. Mortgage rates fluctuate just the way a stock ticker does, so identifying whose a better priced loan lender, at any given point in time, can be an ever more complicated process. That is…

Slick Mortgage Rate Strategy For Buying A House

By Scott Sheldon / August 18, 2013

To say current mortgage rates are volatile, is an understatement. For the last two months there’s been strong swings in mortgage pricing, mortgage rates to very unstable. Nothing can be more frustrating for pre-approved home shopper knowing their ability to qualify and their subsequent proposed payment could change at anytime. How to deal with volatile…

Income Property: Why These Mortgage Types Cost More

By Scott Sheldon / July 1, 2013

Own an investment property? Thinking about buying a property for income producing purposes? It’s going to cost…. For years, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have charged premiums for individuals purchasing property for the purposes of generating income than for primary residence homes and rightfully so, higher the risk, higher the cost. Conversely, opposite holds true,…

Buying A House? How To Hedge Against Higher Rates

By Scott Sheldon / June 23, 2013

Anyone buying a home is all too familiar with the fact interest rates have risen sharply and dramatically in the last several weeks. Buyers and homeowners alike, should expect rates to be at these levels as long as positive economic data continues to surface in the financial markets. Unfortunately for many, due to current lending…

Home Repairs To Improve Value?

By Scott Sheldon / June 2, 2013

Home equity has come roaring back. Many, can now refinance,  others, are in a better position to sell as the intense demand for real estate continues. Everyone wants to attain maximum value for their home. So what’s the best indicator of a home’s worth?  Simple: the amount a ready, willing, and able buyer is willing…

Mortgages: What Consumers Need To Know About The Annual Percentage Rate

By Scott Sheldon / May 20, 2013

Securing a mortgage today requires careful consideration of all the figures. Biggest numbers most consumers pay attention to include loan amount, interest rate, closing costs and the most scrutinized, the annual percentage rate. APR for short, is a disclosure item required loan advertisements and at loan application. Set forth by TILA (Truth In Lending) and…

No-Cost Loans Vs. Low-Cost Mortgages: Key Differences Could Cost You

By Scott Sheldon / May 12, 2013

A program made popular in the height of the subprime lending environment was no-cost mortgages. No-cost loans have gained strong interest as consumers are savvy in deciphering loan terms, rates and how to qualify for credit in a constrictive lending environment. Whether buying a home or refinancing a mortgage, following are key differences between the…

FHA Mortgage Insurance Gets More Expensive June 1, 2013

By Scott Sheldon / May 5, 2013

You may or may not have heard the FHA is once again making their insured loans for purchasing or refinancing higher for consumers for all case numbers issued June 1, 2013 or after. These changes will limit borrowing power and will place a heavier emphasis on income to offset the liability,  i.e. higher mortgage payment.…