The Mortgage Files
Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.
Should You Consider an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage? Who Is an ARM Appropriate For?
An adjustable-rate mortgage can save money for the right borrower, but only when the initial savings, timeline, and future payment risk all fit the plan.
Read More about Should You Consider an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage? Who Is an ARM Appropriate For?What to Know About Getting a Mortgage Loan in a Community Property State With FHA or VA Financing
In a community property state such as California, a non-borrowing spouse’s debts can still affect FHA or VA mortgage qualification. Here is what buyers need to know.
Read More about What to Know About Getting a Mortgage Loan in a Community Property State With FHA or VA FinancingHow to Buy a Home With a Financed Down Payment
A financed down payment program may help qualified buyers purchase with little or no down payment. Learn the payment tradeoffs and who it may fit.
Read More about How to Buy a Home With a Financed Down PaymentHow to Get an FHA Loan After a Six-Month Employment Gap
An FHA loan may still be possible after a lengthy job gap. Learn the six-month return-to-work rule, the two-year work history requirement, and how timing affects a purchase or refinance.
Read More about How to Get an FHA Loan After a Six-Month Employment GapWhy Housing Inventory Still Feels Tight—And What Interest Rates Have to Do With It
Let’s start with a simple but powerful scenario. A homeowner locked in a mortgage at 2.75% during the pandemic. Fast forward to today, and that same homeowner is now looking at interest rates closer to 6.5% on a 30-year fixed. Even if their life has changed—maybe they’ve grown their family or simply need more space—the…
Read More about Why Housing Inventory Still Feels Tight—And What Interest Rates Have to Do With ItHow 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 MortgageOutside-the-Box Mortgage Solutions: DSCR, Bank Statement, and Non-QM Loans Explained
Not every borrower fits neatly into a conventional mortgage box. In fact, as homeownership has become more dynamic and diverse, so too have the mortgage options available. If you’re self-employed, an investor, or someone with complex income streams, there’s good news — you’re no longer out of luck. There’s been a significant rise in non-QM…
Read More about Outside-the-Box Mortgage Solutions: DSCR, Bank Statement, and Non-QM Loans ExplainedVA Loan Options for Surviving Spouses
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…
Read More about VA Loan Options for Surviving Spouses