The Mortgage Files
Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.
How to buy a home and finance the repairs at the same time
You’re preapproved; suddenly a home matching your criteria pops up on the market. Then it hits you, the house needs a ton of work. Here are things to consider when the house you’re trying to buy house needs tender loving care… The reality is resale homes may need work including everything from a new roof,…
Read More about How to buy a home and finance the repairs at the same timeNew underwriting guidelines coming June 25 may change your mortgage
New changes coming to Fannie Mae’s automated underwriting system June 25 could change the way you get a mortgage. Here’s how… Fannie Mae has announced the way they look at credit is about to change for all loan applications dated June 25, 2016 or after. Lenders use Fannie Mae’s automated underwriting system (Desktop Underwriter) for…
Read More about New underwriting guidelines coming June 25 may change your mortgageBuy 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?These ridiculous things could be needed to buy a home
It is no secret getting approved for a mortgage loan requires a fair amount of paperwork. Here is what you should know if there if there is anything questionable in your past… When you apply for a mortgage for the first time or you’re a little rusty on the process, it’s reasonable to expect some…
Read More about These ridiculous things could be needed to buy a homeMake your credit fit the mortgage box
If you have some credit challenges preventing you from getting mortgage with competitive rates and fees, read on. Here are some tips you can take to the bank… Know this: you need not have perfect credit to buy a home or get a mortgage. Your credit just needs to be sufficient; good, bad, ugly or…
Read More about Make your credit fit the mortgage boxHow 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 417kCan you benefit from an adjustable rate mortgage?
Most people who apply for mortgages base their decision on how much they can afford while keeping costs low and manageable. Here are some things to consider if you’re looking at a shorter-term financial picture… Fixed Rate vs. ARM The mortgage king is still the plain old 30 year fixed rate. On such a mortgage…
Read More about Can you benefit from an adjustable rate mortgage?Mortgages: 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 payment