The Mortgage Files

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

4 Things Banks Won’t Tell You About Mortgages

By Scott Sheldon / July 24, 2015

As the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau strives towards creating more transparency within the mortgage industry, these truths remain. Here are four things you won’t hear from your bank at loan application… ‘You Can Get a Better Deal Elsewhere’ Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac publish mortgagee guidelines banks use to originate loans, in order to ultimately…

How Job Proximity Plays A Role In Your Loan Approval

By Scott Sheldon / July 17, 2015

If want your loan application approved, understand it will need to pass a “reasonable man’s test.” Here is what you need to know about mortgages if you work far away from the home. Home lenders go to great lengths to represent and warrant they have met all credit criteria set forth by Fannie Mae and…

3 Real No Income, No Appraisal, No Debt Ratio Loan Programs To Know About

By Scott Sheldon / May 29, 2015

Looking to avoid all the paperwork associated with getting a mortgage? Here are three loan programs with no laundry list. See if you’re eligible… Most mortgage loan products require you to provide two years of tax returns and W-2s, 30 days of pay stubs and at least two months of bank statements to provide a…

How To Land A Mortgage Post Loan Modification

By Scott Sheldon / April 24, 2015

If you completed a loan modification in the past, you’ll need to meet certain credit thresholds to get a green light for a new loan. What to know… What Is A Loan Modification? A loan modification also known as a restructured mortgage is a loan in which the original terms of the transaction changed resulting…

When Saving Up For A Big Down Payment Does Not Make Sense

By Scott Sheldon / April 16, 2015

Saving up to buy a home down the road? That might make sense from a personal financial planning perspective, but from a pragmatic approach to actually getting your foot in the door you may want to reconsider your position. What to consider… In most cases your ability to save is going to be at a…

Should I Put More Money Down Or Pay Off Debt To Buy A Home?

By Scott Sheldon / March 29, 2015

Lining up your finances for a home purchase this year? Spring is right around the corner. Here’s how to gauge if you should put more money down, or pay off debt to improve your figures. Key questions to ask yourself: How much house payment can I manage while still being able to save money? How…

The Things You Need To Buy A Home Beyond Your Income

By Scott Sheldon / March 15, 2015

Buying a home? You will need need patience, resilience to rejection, and sound financial planning, if are serious about pulling it off. Your income is important, but the rest of your financials need to be in order as well. What you’ll need… You need not earn gobs of money to be successful in purchasing a…

Why Applying For A Mortgage Does Not Automatically Tank Your Credit Score

By Scott Sheldon / March 8, 2015

There is a fair amount of misconception that applying for a mortgage causes your credit score to drop each time. Not the case. The sole act of having your credit report in conjunction with submitting a loan application to a mortgage company does not automatically constitute a reduction in your credit score. Here’s the skinny……