The Mortgage Files

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

Can I get pre-approved without having my credit ran?

By Scott Sheldon / July 25, 2013

In short the answer is no, but for a few reasons. A credit report is only as good as that moment in time that it is obtained  by the creditor, mortgage company, bank etc.  The Fair Credit Reporting Act & Home Mortgage Disclosure Act  both prevent a lender from originating a new loan with another…

Are Home Appraisals Transferable To Another Mortgage Company?

By Scott Sheldon / July 10, 2013

Generally, speaking it depends. Each mortgage company has different policies and procedures. On average due to consumer protection laws governing appraisals, most are not transferable. When a mortgage company orders an appraisal, they have to use an appraisal management company, an independent third-party that has a panel of licensed  appraisers. The AMC (for short), then …

Mortgage Rates Are Higher. Is an adjustable rate mortgage a better fit?

By Scott Sheldon / July 1, 2013

This depends on a few factors: risk appetite- comfortable are you knowing that interest rates down the road will be different, put another way, how comfortable  are you with the unknown? loan hold time- selling the  house or refinancing again in the next 5 to 7 years? If you know this than an adjustable-rate mortgage…

I Have More Than 4 Financed Properties.Are There Any Choices For Me?

By Scott Sheldon / June 28, 2013

Yes! Lots of mortgage companies still have a requirement that basically states, financing is unavailable for individuals who own more than four financed properties. This is a somewhat limiting condition, indignant of a smaller boutique type mortgage company, that is relatively small in the bigger picture of mortgage lending. Mortgage financing does exist for individuals…

Can I Buy A House With Late Rent Payment On My Record?

By Scott Sheldon / June 26, 2013

Traditionally, no however this does a vary on a per lender basis. Short answer, not all mortgage lenders have the same credit characteristics or guidelines. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac do have set guidelines that lenders are required to follow. While this holds true, sometimes depending on how well capitalized your lender is and whether…

Why Do Closing Costs Cost More When Buying A House?

By Scott Sheldon / May 28, 2013

This is a standard within the industry, closing costs on a purchase transaction cost more than a refinance transaction. One reason is because there is an additional form of title insurance when buying a house that’s not required on refinance transaction. When you buy a house, there’s two forms of title insurance required when taking…

Are there any no down payment loans for home buying any more?

By Scott Sheldon / May 7, 2013

Yes, although slightly limited. Without any down payment, you’ll most likely be looking at one of two loan programs both of which have some slight limitations to be aware of. Before we dive into the nuts and bolts of each program, know this: It only takes 3.5% down to buy a home these days.  Additionally,…

What's the minimum credit score I need to get a mortgage loan?

By Scott Sheldon / May 3, 2013

You will need at least a middle credit score of 620 or better. A mortgage company will pull a tri- merge credit report from each credit bureau. There will be three scores, a high score, a middle score and a low score. It doesn’t matter which bureau provides it, but the middle credit score is…