The Mortgage Files
Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.
Buy a condo or a single family home?
When the time homes to buy your first home, you will have options galore. Here’s how to decide if you should purchase a single-family home or a more affordable condominium unit. Undoubtedly, buying a home is without doubt the largest financial decision you’ll probably make in your lifetime. It is critical to make sure the…
Read More about Buy a condo or a single family home?How to get a mortgage with a brand-new job
Changing jobs is a natural byproduct of an ongoing career. If trying to look good for a bank, here is what you need to know for your new job to count for a mortgage. Mortgage companies typically want you to have the same field of work for the most recent last two years. A solid…
Read More about How to get a mortgage with a brand-new jobThese forms of income can help you land a mortgage
In today’s world of mortgage lending showing enough income is paramount to qualifying. Here are some alternative income forms that can be used for a mortgage qualifying… Mortgage banks look for income to offset debt. If you’re monthly debt payments exceed your income you may have a tough time qualifying for a mortgage. Underwriting which…
Read More about These forms of income can help you land a mortgageHow to cash out refinance a loan bigger than 417k
Lending guidelines were recently loosened on cash out refinance transactions. If you’re looking to refinance and pull out funds for home improvement, or another project, here’s what you should know if your loan size exceeds $417,000. Mortgage loans bigger than $417,000 are going to cost more. Here’s why: when a mortgage loan exceeds $417k the…
Read More about How to cash out refinance a loan bigger than 417kMortgages: How to find the net tangible benefit through the fees, rate and payment
When shopping for a mortgage, it’s critical to have a general understanding of how the fees, rate and payment all connect to your bottom line. Here are tips better to identify your net tangible benefit on a home loan… Rates & fees The cost of an interest rate (mortgage pricing) moves with ebb and flow…
Read More about Mortgages: How to find the net tangible benefit through the fees, rate and paymentShould you pay off high interest debt first when getting a mortgage?
How you plan and budget your finances can have a big affect on whether or not you can qualify for a home loan. Following is what you should know if you’re trying to spruce up your financial picture for a mortgage… Not all debt is created equal. For sound financial planning purposes eliminating the expenses…
Read More about Should you pay off high interest debt first when getting a mortgage?What to do if you need last year’s income tax returns to get a mortgage
How’s your income? This is the first of many questions a banker is going to ask when you apply for a home loan. Here is how tax returns play a role in your ability to obtain mortgage loan financing. Generally, you need provide two years of 1040’s to a banker when applying for a home…
Read More about What to do if you need last year’s income tax returns to get a mortgageHow Often Can You Refinance Your Home?
There is no limitation to how frequently you can refinance your home. Do it as often and freely as you like as it financially makes sense to do so. Following are some things to consider when pulling the trigger… Closing Costs Are you throwing good money after bad? If you recently paid fees on your…
Read More about How Often Can You Refinance Your Home?