The Mortgage Files

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

These two conventional mortgage loan programs will get you a better interest rate and terms

By Scott Sheldon / January 22, 2019

When you’re buying or refinancing a house it goes without saying you want to get a competitive interest rate with favorable terms associated with the money you are borrowing. Two programs that support your ability to do this are Fannie Mae Home Ready and Freddie Mac Home Possible. These two programs typically have about 1/4…

How much of your mortgage income should be going towards an auto loan

By Scott Sheldon / January 15, 2019

Buying a house can always be a daunting consuming feat. Caring consumer obligations such as car loans can further complicate a picture of that otherwise could be more financially lucrative. When you carry on a car debt whether it’s at lease payment or whether it’s a financed payment you’re handcuffing a portion of your future…

Working two jobs is now easier to get a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / January 2, 2019

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are starting to take a more balanced approach in the way they view mortgages. The change about self-employment income not hurting your W-2 income is one such example of that. Here’s what you need to know if you have both income types are looking for a mortgage… Up until recently…

How mortgage lender credits work

By Scott Sheldon / December 26, 2018

How mortgage lender credits work with rates If you’re getting a mortgage or plan to be you might be working with a situation where a lender credit is needed. Here is what you need to know with how lender credits work with regards to interest rates and government required disclosures… When you select a mortgage…

The most important things you need to know about securing a VA Mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / December 11, 2018

VA financing is the best mortgage loan program by far for mortgage Borrowers. Here are some of the nuances about VA loans that you should know if you’re considering using a VA loan for a purchase or for a refinance… The US Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees home mortgage loans for eligible military veterans up…

How to lower your cash to close when buying a home

By Scott Sheldon / November 26, 2018

Purchasing a home can require a down payment plus closing costs which can equate the thousands of dollars. Here’s a way you can get your foot in the door using other people’s money… The national housing market has slowed, and refinance applications are down to the lowest level in years while purchase applications are otherwise…

Should you buy a house with monthly mortgage insurance?

By Scott Sheldon / November 20, 2018

Should you buy a house with monthly mortgage insurance? Buying a home can be an expensive ordeal. You don’t necessarily need 20% down or more to purchase a house. Whether or not you should put more money down or less money down is going to depend on what your financial scenario supports and what you…

Why getting a 30 year fixed rate mortgage is a smart financial move

By Scott Sheldon / November 14, 2018

If you’re purchasing or refinancing a house the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was and is currently the staple of the broader mortgage market. The 30-year mortgage has its pros and cons and here is what you should know when looking at a 30-year mortgage, so you can decide what makes the most financial sense for you.…