The Mortgage Files

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

Why “Cheaper” Isn’t Always Better: The Real Story Behind Mortgage Pricing and Underwriting

By Scott Sheldon / April 2, 2025

Let’s get real for a second: mortgage pricing isn’t as wide open as most people think. Sure, it’s tempting to chase the lowest rate you see online or the lender who claims to save you $50 a month, but here’s the deal most borrowers never hear — mortgage lenders, for the most part, are all…

Buying a Home That Needs Work? Here’s How to Maximize Equity and Benefit from Lower Interest Rates

By Scott Sheldon / March 27, 2025

So, you’ve found a house you like, but after digging in, you realize it needs $70,000 worth of work. That $500,000 house is probably priced that way because it needs those repairs—meaning if it were move-in ready, it could easily be worth $570,000 or more. Now, you’re faced with a choice: walk away or embrace…

Navigating Divorce & Mortgage Loans: Why FHA Assumable Loans Matter

By Scott Sheldon / March 20, 2025

Breaking Up? Here’s What You Need to Know About Your Mortgage Divorce is never easy, and when real estate is involved, things can get even more complicated. One of the biggest questions that comes up is: Can you assume your current mortgage instead of refinancing? The answer depends on the type of loan you have.…

The Impact of Lower Interest Rates on Housing Inventory Challenges

By Scott Sheldon / March 10, 2025

The U.S. housing market has been grappling with a significant inventory shortage, with an estimated deficit of 3.7 million homes. This scarcity has intensified competition among buyers, leading to bidding wars and elevated home prices. In this context, a reduction in mortgage interest rates can have profound effects on the market dynamics, particularly concerning home…

Understanding Income Averaging in Fannie Mae Loans

By Scott Sheldon / March 6, 2025

When qualifying for a home loan, one challenge many borrowers face is presenting irregular or fluctuating income in a way that accurately reflects their long-term earning potential. Both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac provide guidelines that allow mortgage lenders to use an averaged income approach to assess a borrower’s ability to repay a mortgage. This…

Should I Switch from FHA to Conventional? What You Need to Know

By Scott Sheldon / February 19, 2025

’ve done everything right. You sent your documents to the lender, got preapproved, and now you’re actively house hunting. Maybe it’s been a few weeks since you got your initial FHA preapproval. You’ve seen some homes, made a few offers, but nothing has gone into contract yet. Then, you hear the question: Should I switch…

How Alimony Can Boost Your Mortgage Buying Power

By Scott Sheldon / February 12, 2025

How Alimony Can Boost Your Home Buying Power If you pay alimony and thought it would hurt your ability to buy a home, I’ve got good news for you. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have updated their conventional loan guidelines, and they now treat alimony as a reduction to income rather than a debt. This…

How to Buy a Home in 2025 Without a Down Payment

By Scott Sheldon / January 30, 2025

How to Buy a Home in 2025 Without a Down Payment Purchasing a home can feel overwhelming, especially when you think about saving for a down payment. However, in 2025, there are multiple programs available that can help you buy a house with little to no upfront costs. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or someone…