The Mortgage Files
Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.
How to Use Child Support Income to Qualify for a Mortgage
For many homebuyers, every source of income matters when qualifying for a mortgage. If you receive child support, it can often be counted as qualifying income—helping you meet debt-to-income (DTI) guidelines and potentially increasing the loan amount you can afford. Understanding how lenders evaluate child support income will help you prepare the right documentation and…
Read More about How to Use Child Support Income to Qualify for a MortgageVA Loans in Community Property States: How to Manage Spouse’s Credit and Debt in California
Navigating VA Loans in Community Property States: A Guide for Married Couples in Sonoma and Lake County, California Buying a home is a monumental step, and securing a VA loan can be a fantastic option for veterans looking to make that dream a reality. However, living in a community property state like California adds a…
Read More about VA Loans in Community Property States: How to Manage Spouse’s Credit and Debt in CaliforniaNew Mortgage Loan Limits for 2023
The Federal Housing Finance Agency announced on Tuesday, November 29th the new loan limits for 2023. The new conforming loan limit has increased and has been year over year 7 years in a row. If you’re thinking about purchasing or refinancing a home in 2023 here is what you need to know… The loan limit…
Read More about New Mortgage Loan Limits for 2023Why your income is your lifeline to finance a home
Getting mortgage loan financing requires you providing a blend of good cash, ample credit, and income to offset a proposed new expense i.e. a mortgage loan. You must have the right blend of all three in order to purchase or refinance a home. What might not make sense however is the lifeline that’s going to…
Read More about Why your income is your lifeline to finance a homeCan you get a mortgage with bad credit?
Many mortgage companies along with the internet would have you believe getting a mortgage with bad credit cannot happen. It is true the process will be more difficult and challenging, but it is not impossible. If your desiring to refinance your property or buy a home with less than perfect credit the following information will…
Read More about Can you get a mortgage with bad credit?Why the purchase price should not be the single most important factor
When buying a home most would believe the number one most important thing you need to be focused on is what you pay for the house. Mom and dad who bought their house years ago, Grandma and Grandpa who bought their house back in the early 1980s when housing prices were $40,000 all have an…
Read More about Why the purchase price should not be the single most important factorHow to remove private mortgage insurance
There is too much information circling around the internet, about how to remove mortgage insurance from your monthly mortgage payment. Unfortunately, it is not as simple as having 20% home equity either. Here is what you need to know about removing this dreaded housing cost. Is the loan insured by FHA or is the loan…
Read More about How to remove private mortgage insuranceWhy you cannot opt out of title insurance when getting a mortgage
If you are like most consumers, you want to have a clear understanding of the fees associated with a mortgage. The closing process, lender fees, title fees, etc. This is so you know exactly how all the numbers add up. Here is something you need to know regarding getting title insurance when purchasing or refinancing…
Read More about Why you cannot opt out of title insurance when getting a mortgage