The Mortgage Files

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

Quick Calculation For Determining House Payment

By Scott Sheldon / February 18, 2013

As consumer taking out a mortgage loan, computing a house payment can be a time-consuming process running calculations, let alone qualifying these days. What consumers don’t oftentimes realize, there’s a much easier way to calculate a house payment. Some terms to become familiar with: House Payment or rather PITI Principal-represents principal balance being paid down…

Mortgage Insurance: Consumer Tips On PMI & Advoidance

By Scott Sheldon / February 3, 2013

Mortgage Insurance is like the plague to a monthly mortgage payment. It makes the cost of homeownership rise over time, only benefits one party… the lender. Mortgage insurance also known as private mortgage insurance (PMI)  is an intergal component of many popular loan programs today; FHA Mortgages, USDA Mortgages and yes even standard Conventional Mortgages.…

How To Refinance If You Are NOT Harp 2 Eligible

By Scott Sheldon / January 20, 2013

As many now know, the Making Homes Affordable Program aka Harp 2 Refinance  allows people to refinance if their loans are owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, with out any loan-to-value restriction. Successfully refinancing any occupancy home despite being underwater is quite common these days under this program. While this program, is helping many…

The Biggest Self-Employed Borrower Traps When Getting A Mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / November 25, 2012

If there is one type of borrower in this credit market whose profile has been scrutinized the most by the financial markets, it’s the sole proprietor business. Self-employed borrowers/sole proprietors used to be able to get stated income loans that would otherwise allow them to provide no income verification. Because the paradigm has shifted so…

Why People Cannot Qualify For Mortgages

By Scott Sheldon / November 18, 2012

Ever been enticed by via low mortgage rate only to find out you don’t measure up to the credit standards of that particular lender? Unfortunately it happens every day. The good news  only 40% of people cannot qualify, that means there is 60% of the people who can. Nevertheless, following are common way  your loan…

What The Election Means For Mortgage Rates

By Scott Sheldon / October 21, 2012

Two questions on every mortgage applicants’ mind  “where are mortgage rates? Does it make sense to wait till after the presidential election to complete my purchase or refinance? Let’s be clear about one underlining theme.. Its how the election’s results will be perceived by the markets that could cause mortgage rates to move Let’s explore…

Common Credit Score Mistakes Consumers Make When Getting A Mortgage: Tips To Avoid Them

By Scott Sheldon / September 24, 2012

For many, seeking a home loan is an exchange of trust and privacy when it comes to providing a social security number to obtain a credit report. The credit report is one of the foundational pillars mortgage companies use to originate a loan by taking into consideration debt obligations which impact borrowing ability. After reviewing…

Understanding A Paper Trail: What Funds Are Eligible For Use In A Mortgage Loan

By Scott Sheldon / September 10, 2012

As mortgage lender, we see it all the time, cash funds being used in consideration on a purchase mortgage or on a home refinance. People earning non-reported money doing cash side jobs otherwise known as money “under the table.” These funds are ineligible as consideration for procuring a home loan. The reason is simple, all…