The Mortgage Files

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

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…

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…

Should I Put More Money Down Or Pay Off Debt To Buy A Home?

By Scott Sheldon / March 29, 2015

Lining up your finances for a home purchase this year? Spring is right around the corner. Here’s how to gauge if you should put more money down, or pay off debt to improve your figures. Key questions to ask yourself: How much house payment can I manage while still being able to save money? How…

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…

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…

Are You Sure Renting Still Makes Sense?

By Scott Sheldon / December 7, 2014

Many millions of consumers who either previously owned a home or have never owned a home before  are all too familiar with the financial drain renting poses. Here’s four renting realities consumers face… Your Home Is Controlled By Your Landlord A legal right to occupy the property does not not include making changes to the…

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…