The Mortgage Files

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

what to look for in a lender to buy a home

Can You Still Get A Mortgage With Bad Credit?

By Scott Sheldon / September 23, 2015

Looking for a bad credit mortgage loan? If your credit is not up to par, yes, you can still get a mortgage with hoop jumping. Believe it or not you may even be able to seal the deal even with credit score sub 620. Here’s what to expect… FHA- that’s right, the only program out…

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Does Improving Your Credit Score For A Mortgage Pencil Out?

Does Improving Your Credit Score For A Mortgage Pencil Out?

By Scott Sheldon / September 7, 2015

Credit is the biggest hot button topic in mortgage lending by far. Most would probably agree, any time you can raise your credit score to improve your mortgage scenario, take advantage of it. Every situation is different and here’s what to be mindful if your credit needs a little love. There are three different loan…

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Why Cash Is king In Real Estate Negotiation

Why Cash Is king In Real Estate Negotiation

By Scott Sheldon / August 28, 2015

It is no surprise there is significantly more demand for housing than there is enough supply creating intense competition. If you’re pre-approved and home hunting, here’s what you need to know if your competition has cash… All Cash Offers No matter what there is a chance you will lose out to the competition on a…

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How Solid Is Your Loan Pre-Approval?

By Scott Sheldon / July 30, 2015

If you hear a lender toting they can preapprove you in just a few minutes, stop and run in the other direction- fast. A real pre approval is much more than a loan application and credit report. What to know before jumping into a home… A Traditional Pre Approval Includes The Following: you’ve submitted an…

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How Buying A Home Will Make You More Credit Worthy

How Buying A Home Will Make You More Credit Worthy

By Scott Sheldon / June 5, 2015

If you have never owned a home before or it’s been a few years since you have, you’re missing out on credit advantages. That’s right, when you buy a home you automatically become more credit worthy. Remember these tips when inking a real estate deal… Recorded Legal Transaction When you rent, you have an agreement…

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How To Land A Mortgage Post Loan Modification

By Scott Sheldon / April 24, 2015

If you completed a loan modification in the past, you’ll need to meet certain credit thresholds to get a green light for a new loan. What to know… What Is A Loan Modification? A loan modification also known as a restructured mortgage is a loan in which the original terms of the transaction changed resulting…

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Scott Sheldon's The Mortgage FIles Blog

When Saving Up For A Big Down Payment Does Not Make Sense

By Scott Sheldon / April 16, 2015

Saving up to buy a home down the road? That might make sense from a personal financial planning perspective, but from a pragmatic approach to actually getting your foot in the door you may want to reconsider your position. What to consider… In most cases your ability to save is going to be at a…

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Scott Sheldon's The Mortgage FIles Blog

3 Low Down Payment Options First Time Buyers Have To Get Their Foot In The Door

By Scott Sheldon / April 9, 2015

Demand for housing remains strong as we enter this spring season. Renters are finding buying a home may even in some cases be less than renting. If you don’t have a lot of cash are looking to purchase your first home this year read on…. How Much Cash You Will Need Hint- it’s less than…

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