The Mortgage Files

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

Refinancing Strategies to Reduce Credit Card Debt and Buy a Home

By Scott Sheldon / May 20, 2025

Refinancing Strategies to Reduce Credit Card Debt and Buy a Home If you’re sitting on a 3% mortgage and juggling high-interest credit card or auto loan debt, you’re not alone. As of early 2025, the average American household carries about $7,321 in credit card debt, with interest rates often exceeding 20% . This financial strain…

How seller credit maximize your purchasing power on a conventional or FHA home loan

By Scott Sheldon / May 16, 2025

Maximizing Your Home Buying Power with Seller Credits When purchasing a home, every dollar counts. Whether you’re putting down 3.5% with an FHA loan or opting for a conventional route with 10% or 20% down, understanding how seller credits work can be a game-changer. These credits can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, lower your monthly…

VA Loan Options for Surviving Spouses

By Scott Sheldon / May 8, 2025

Understanding VA Loan Refinance Options for Surviving Spouses Losing a spouse is one of life’s most challenging experiences, especially when that spouse served in the military. Beyond the emotional weight, surviving spouses often face financial uncertainties, including the question of how to keep or refinance their home. Fortunately, the VA home loan benefit doesn’t always…

What’s Driving the Volatility and What Comes Next?

By Scott Sheldon / April 15, 2025

Mortgage Rates in April 2025: What’s Driving the Volatility and What Comes Next As of April 2025, mortgage rates are experiencing notable fluctuations, reflecting the broader economic uncertainties. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has hovered around 6.6% to 6.85% in recent weeks, influenced by various macroeconomic factors. Key Factors Influencing Current Mortgage Rates Federal…

Should You Buy a Home Now Or Wait for Lower Rates in 2025?

By Scott Sheldon / April 10, 2025

Should you Buy a Home Now at 6.5% to 7% Interest, or Wait? Let’s address the elephant in the room: mortgage interest rates. If you’re asking, “Are rates going to drop soon, or should I buy now at 6.5–7%?” you’re not alone. This question is everywhere right now, and honestly—it’s a fair one. Rates have…

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.…