The Mortgage Files

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

Here is why you should not be worried about buying at the top of the market

By Scott Sheldon / September 6, 2017

Most US housing markets are supporting little inventory and big demand creating a favorable environment for sellers. If you’re thinking about buying a house and you’re worried you’re buying at the top of the market look at the bigger picture… If we were to rewind the clock to 2012 everyone was petrified about purchasing a…

The truth about how credit scores relate to mortgages

By Scott Sheldon / August 29, 2017

Credit scores are incredibly important when secure a mortgage financing. They are however only one leg of a four-leg table. Here’s what to remember about credit scores and home loans. *Credit scores for jumbo mortgages need to be at least 680 or more *Credit scores can be as low as 620 for a conforming loan…

Here is something most married folks do not realize when applying for an FHA Loan

By Scott Sheldon / August 8, 2017

Today’s world of mortgages is made up by two sorts of loans government backed loans and government insured loans. Government insured loans are hugely popular. The FHA Loan is the benchmark government loan appealing to many due to its flexible guidelines and lower down payment options. Here is one pitfall you need to know if…

Why a car lease can harm your mortgage possibilities 

By Scott Sheldon / August 2, 2017

Unlike an auto loan, a lease is a short debt that contain a future pay off. Here is why a lease can hurt your chances of getting a mortgage… Lenders look at the minimum monthly obligations that you pay on your debts. They take those minimum payments and add those to a proposed total mortgage…

How to get a mortgage with a credit score under 620

By Scott Sheldon / July 22, 2017

Here is what most banks and mortgage companies will not tell you. If you have a bad credit score they don’t want your business. It’s the truth. Every financial institution wants borrowers with good credit, a healthy down payment, a stable job and low manageable debts. The reality is that most people don’t fit the…

Tax return losses may hurt your mortgage chances

By Scott Sheldon / May 23, 2017

Qualifying for a mortgage involves: an acceptable credit score, sufficient assets and stable income. These are to show you can support a mortgage payment, plus other liabilities. You must have a balance of all three to successfully qualify for financing. The following is what you must know when trying to qualify with “paper losses” on…

How to remove private mortgage insurance

By Scott Sheldon / May 16, 2017

There is too much information circling around the internet, about how to remove mortgage insurance from your monthly mortgage payment. Unfortunately, it is not as simple as having 20% home equity either. Here is what you need to know about removing this dreaded housing cost. Is the loan insured by FHA or is the loan…

Why an FHA loan may be a suitable choice

By Scott Sheldon / April 28, 2017

 FHA loans have gotten a bad rap in the last few years. Here is the Granddaddy Truth about FHA loans, you should really consider if you are looking for mortgage options! FHA loans are another option you can take as a borrower, to help you accomplish your financial goal. The Federal Housing Administration ensures the…