The Mortgage Files
Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.
Is your new rental agreement going to pass for a mortgage?
Rental income can be a double edged sword if you need it to qualify. Here’s what to know about your new rental future rental income when it comes time to getting a mortgage… Some mortgage companies will give you the benefit of using fair market rents for income when buying a rental property. The type…
Read More about Is your new rental agreement going to pass for a mortgage?Should you refinance your house with a direct-mail mortgage offer?
Many homeowners are often inundated by the amount of junk mail offers they receive each month. Here is what to think about if you’re considering refinancing with a direct-mail solicitor… Confusing pitch You receive a letter in the mailbox about a refinance offer saying the mortgage offer is a fixed rate loan with an ultra…
Read More about Should you refinance your house with a direct-mail mortgage offer?3 things you will not like about today’s mortgage process
These things about today’s mortgage loan process will drive you crazy. Know what lenders will want…. Patriot Act This says lenders do not make loans to drug dealers, money launderers or terrorists. Obviously, 99.9% of today’s mortgage loan borrowers are completely on the up and up. However, this does not change the fact mortgage lenders…
Read More about 3 things you will not like about today’s mortgage processHow to score a jumbo mortgage with less than 20% down
Looking to finance a big mortgage? Here’s some tips you can take to the bank… Most jumbo investors still have tight credit guidelines. Jumbo loans are any residential mortgage sizes greater than the county high balance loan limit. In Sonoma County, CA the maximum loan size for a single-family home is $554,300 making anything larger…
Read More about How to score a jumbo mortgage with less than 20% downWhat your loan amount covers when refinancing
Refinancing can shave years off your loan and help you pay off your home faster. Here’s what to consider when refinancing… When you refinance your home your loan amount can be whatever you choose it to be. It can be a lower than what you currently owe on your home which would require bringing in…
Read More about What your loan amount covers when refinancingIs down payment assistance worth it to a buy a home?
If you’re looking to buy a house with little or no cash your options may be limited. Here is what you need to know to get your foot in the door, successfully… Down payment assistance programs Down payment assistance can be sponsored by a local state or government entity or entity grant. Essentially, down payment…
Read More about Is down payment assistance worth it to a buy a home?How mortgage lender can make a loan work when another cannot
Ever work with a mortgage company to later on find your loan won’t work, and another delivers? There’s a reason for it. Here’s what you should know about mortgage companies. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has safeguards in place to make sure mortgage companies operate off of a level playing field with consumers. The level…
Read More about How mortgage lender can make a loan work when another cannotYes you don’t need tax returns to get a mortgage
If you were planning to buy a home or refinance one you already own, expect a lot of paperwork. Here’s one thing you probably didn’t know – tax returns are not required all the time. Are you self-employed or W-2? If you are a W-2 wage earner there is lower likelihood for needing to provide…
Read More about Yes you don’t need tax returns to get a mortgage