The Mortgage Files

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

How your mortgage fees can change

By Scott Sheldon / October 20, 2016

Getting a mortgage can be a costly endeavor if you don’t plan accordingly. Deadlines, qualifying, and paperwork are some of the things you’re going to be dealing with over the course of your escrow. Here’s what you need to know regarding loan costs… Fees can change in part for a slew of reasons, but for…

Why using your income for a down payment may not fly

By Scott Sheldon / October 5, 2016

Working on your down payment money to buy a home? Here’s something you need to know…your paycheck can work against your down payment savings plan. Buying a home requires precision planning, good income, good credit, manageable liabilities and a healthy down payment. As much as 3.5% of the purchase price can be a big factor…

How to figure out closing costs on a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / September 27, 2016

Closing costs are a factor you must account for consider when taking out a mortgage to buy or refinance a home. Here’s what you need to know across the board… When can you take out a mortgage there’s fees that you’re going to pay to various service providers besides just the mortgage company. This includes,…

Should you go FHA or Conventional?

By Scott Sheldon / September 21, 2016

FHA loans and conventional loans remain the most popular financing type for today’s mortgage borrowers. Here’s how to determine which program makes the most financial sense for you… FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration. The program contains two forms of mortgage insurance; an upfront mortgage insurance premium calculated at 1.75% of the…

One really smart move to best prepare for getting a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / September 11, 2016

Securing mortgage loan financing requires a laundry list of paperwork. Here’s a really simple tip you can take to the bank to make sure your process is easy while getting the best mortgage… Every year you gather together paperwork for doing your tax returns things like; receipts, explanations, paystubs and W-2s. 70% of this information…

How to evaluate buying a rental property

By Scott Sheldon / September 6, 2016

Buying a rental property can be very lucrative and sound financial vestment. Here’s how to determine whether not buying a rental property with financing makes sense. Location, location, location Location for the property is critical. It is often thought a rental property is more dollars and cents transaction with less focus on location. While this…

Waiting for rates to drop on a new mortgage?

By Scott Sheldon / August 31, 2016

It’s no secret interest rates are the main driver of the nation’s loan volume. Fixed rate mortgages are currently sub 4%. Here is why waiting for a better rate could be risky could move… The markets will continue to move The pricing associated with interest rates moves daily, in some cases multiple times per day.…

Why harp refinances are dwindling

By Scott Sheldon / August 18, 2016

One of the financial programs aimed at homeowners wishing to refinance in the economic downturn was Making Homes Affordable Harp 2. The program to this day allows people to refinance even if they are underwater. Here’s what you should know about this program… How the program works If you took out your loan May 31,…