The Mortgage Files

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

Why Does My Mortgage Lender Keep Asking for the Same Documents?

By Scott Sheldon / October 20, 2026

Repeated mortgage document requests are frustrating, but they usually involve updated information, missing pages, or follow-up questions needed before closing.

How Much Lower Do Mortgage Rates Need to Go Before It Makes Sense to Refinance?

By Scott Sheldon / September 30, 2026

A refinance is not about an arbitrary rate drop. Learn how loan size, costs, monthly savings, and break-even time determine whether it makes sense.

Should You Buy a Rental Property for Cash Flow or Appreciation?

By Scott Sheldon / September 24, 2026

Cash flow and appreciation can both build wealth through rental real estate, but they work differently. Learn how to balance income, equity, financing, and tax planning.

How to Use Child Support Income to Qualify for a Mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / October 10, 2025

For many homebuyers, every source of income matters when qualifying for a mortgage. If you receive child support, it can often be counted as qualifying income—helping you meet debt-to-income (DTI) guidelines and potentially increasing the loan amount you can afford. Understanding how lenders evaluate child support income will help you prepare the right documentation and…

VA Loans and the Clear Pest Report Requirement: What Buyers Need to Know

By Scott Sheldon / August 14, 2025

If you’re a homebuyer using a VA loan to finance your property, there’s a unique requirement that can easily trip up your transaction: the VA loan clear pest report. Unlike conventional loans or even FHA loans in some cases, VA loans have strict pest inspection guidelines—and not understanding them can delay or even jeopardize your…

Refinancing Strategies to Reduce Credit Card Debt and Buy a Home

By Scott Sheldon / May 20, 2025

Refinancing Strategies to Reduce Credit Card Debt and Buy a Home If you’re sitting on a 3% mortgage and juggling high-interest credit card or auto loan debt, you’re not alone. As of early 2025, the average American household carries about $7,321 in credit card debt, with interest rates often exceeding 20% . This financial strain…

Can you get a mortgage with bad credit?

By Scott Sheldon / January 9, 2020

Many mortgage companies along with the internet would have you believe getting a mortgage with bad credit cannot happen. It is true the process will be more difficult and challenging, but it is not impossible. If your desiring to refinance your property or buy a home with less than perfect credit the following information will…

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…