The Mortgage Files

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

Funky Property Types You Can Still Get A Mortgage On

By Scott Sheldon / October 13, 2014

Looking to purchase real estate other than a traditional cookie-cutter single-family home? If you’ve ever been told you can’t get residential mortgage financing on that oddball property, think again. While challenging as it may be to purchase an alternative property type with debt, it can be done. Here’s what you need to know if you…

Want A Mortgage? Give Us Your Birth Certificate

By Scott Sheldon / September 14, 2014

In the compliant world of securing a mortgage these days, many are realizing explanations and full supporting documentation are now considered to be the ‘norm’. Lenders must validate a borrower really is who they say they are. One way a mortgage lender verifies a borrower’s identity is validating their Social Security Number. The catch? If…

How The Size Of Your Mortgage Is Impacted By Your Credit Score

By Scott Sheldon / September 1, 2014

Looking to finance larger loan size? If you plan on being in the market for a mortgage loan $417,000 or larger, your credit score along with your equity will play an important role in your ability to get approved for a  jumbo sized home loan.  What you’ll need to know if you’re looking for a…

How To Buy A Home By Refinancing Another

By Scott Sheldon / August 10, 2014

An important home buying hurdle you’ll need to over is the relationship between the proposed new housing payment and current liabilities against your monthly pre-tax income. The payment to income ratio on debts, including other debt houses you own, play a vital role for the mortgage broker determining how much house you can bite off.…

Key Factors That Drive Up Mortgage Costs

By Scott Sheldon / July 25, 2014

Applying for a mortgage? Do your fees and rates appear to be a little higher than what you see advertised? If yes, there could be several key factors driving up the cost of your mortgage that you may not know about. These additional mortgage pricing characteristics can make your mortgage cost more.  Don’t be swayed …

Using Your Brand New Job Or Promotion To Get A Mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / July 14, 2014

Just recently have a job change or receive a promotion? Despite what you might hear, it is still very possible to qualify for a mortgage to buy of refinance a home using your new income.  The lending atmosphere is ripe with misconceptions about job gaps, job changes and occupational changes within the course of an…

Carrying A Rental Property May Hurt Your Mortgage Chances

By Scott Sheldon / May 25, 2014

Do you own rental property? If yes, and you’re looking to borrow money with a new mortgage, your gain or loss identified by your tax returns may help or hinder your chances of procuring favorable credit. Lenders can use up to 75% of the rents generated, however, if there is a history of rental losses,…

Its Not Just Your Credit Score That Counts For Getting A Mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / May 18, 2014

The credit and financial choices you make today shape your future chances of procuring credit. If have a tarnished credit history, while you still may be able to qualify, it will be a document heavy process. Little lending nuances that may arise if you have credit inconsistencies… Your Credit History Matters Importance of credit is…