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?

By Scott Sheldon / October 14, 2026

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.

What to Know About Getting a Mortgage Loan in a Community Property State With FHA or VA Financing

By Scott Sheldon / October 7, 2026

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.

How to Buy a Home With a Financed Down Payment

By Scott Sheldon / September 10, 2026

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.

How to Get an FHA Loan After a Six-Month Employment Gap

By Scott Sheldon / August 25, 2026

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.

Why Housing Inventory Still Feels Tight—And What Interest Rates Have to Do With It

By Scott Sheldon / March 25, 2026

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…

How to Use Child Support Income to Qualify for a Mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / October 10, 2025

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…

Outside-the-Box Mortgage Solutions: DSCR, Bank Statement, and Non-QM Loans Explained

By Scott Sheldon / June 5, 2025

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…

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…