The Mortgage Files

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

Mortgage Loan Fees You Need To Know

By Scott Sheldon / March 22, 2015

Let’s cut to the chase obtaining a mortgage to buy a home or refinance one you already own is not cheap. There’s no two ways about it. Encumbering property is going to cost some bucks. Knowing the fees lenders charge including both upfront and later on in the transaction can help ensure you’re getting a…

Does My Loan Type Hurt My Credit Score?

By Scott Sheldon / February 28, 2015

Future favorable financing deals, low rates and preferred credit offerings all will be available depending on how well you manage the grandaddy credit type: a mortgage loan. Generally, when you take out a mortgage on home, you can expect a sharp and noticeable increase in all three credit scores, just by virtue of making a…

5 Simple Reasons You Are Being Denied A Mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / February 21, 2015

Gearing up to refinance or buy a home this year?  These five nuances may stop your financial plans dead in the tracks. Here’s what to know to avoid your mortgage loan application being denied… Your Credit Score Is Not What You Think It Is Happens every day. A consumer will get one credit score from…

Will My Disability Income Count For Getting A Mortgage?

By Scott Sheldon / January 25, 2015

If you have an alternative income from a work-related injury or a long-term injury, the devil is in the details when it pertains to how, if or when any of your income you’re collecting could be used to get a mortgage. Things to keep in mind when applying… What We Mean By Disability Benefits Disability…

Is Buying A Short Sale Property Still Worthwhile?

By Scott Sheldon / December 28, 2014

Talk to anyone who has dabbled in the real estate recent years and they will almost certainly have an opinion on short sales. Though not as common anymore, homeowners short selling their homes present an opportunity to get your foot in the door. Here’s what to know as a home buyer… What They Are A…

Think You Can't Buy A House Because Its A Seller's Market?

By Scott Sheldon / December 21, 2014

Have you decided to put off purchasing a home? If you’re worried you’re paying too much for a house- think again. Here’s why: Higher Home Prices Let’s take a pause and rewind to 2012, the unemployment rate exceeded 8%, short sales and foreclosures were rampant, consumer confidence was low, the prospectus of job growth was…

5 Factors To Think About When Refinancing

By Scott Sheldon / December 14, 2014

Mortgage rates are now the lowest level we’ve seen in the last 17 months ago. If you can save money by refinancing your mortgage or have been putting it off, you owe yourself to explore your options. Here’s the five setbacks to know before pulling the trigger… The 1% Rate Reduction Rule Most finance experts…

Quirky Mortgage Borrowers Are Still Getting Loans

By Scott Sheldon / November 30, 2014

Had a previous bad credit event? Don’t have two years in the same field? Income not three times your proposed payment? Fear not, when your financial picture doesn’t fit the box, here’s how you may still qualify some lenders… To get a mortgage, you must have the four pillars lenders use to frame together a…