The Mortgage Files

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

How Interest Rates Are Impacting Home Buyers and Sellers

By Scott Sheldon / June 6, 2024

Interest rates are a critical component of the housing market, influencing the behaviour of both home buyers and sellers. As of mid-2024, the interest rate environment is characterized by moderate increases due to efforts by the Federal Reserve to combat inflation. This blog post will delve into the current state of interest rates, their impact…

FHA vs. Conventional Loans—Which Costs Less in the Long Run?

By Scott Sheldon / June 2, 2024

When securing a mortgage for your home, choosing between an FHA loan and a conventional loan is a critical decision that could impact your financial strategy and long-term goals. Both loan types have distinct advantages and limitations, particularly regarding down payment requirements, seller credits, and private mortgage insurance (PMI). Down Payment Differences: One of the…

FHA Loan Update: Easier Process for Family Gift Funds

By Scott Sheldon / May 23, 2024

If you’ve been thinking about buying a home with an FHA loan, there’s some exciting news that could make the process smoother, especially if you’re relying on family for financial help. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) just announced a significant change to its guidelines that could make it much easier for homebuyers… What Changed? Since…

Why long term term open housers need pre approval

By Scott Sheldon / May 13, 2024

Title: Navigating the Home Buying Journey: Why Long-Term Open Housers Need Pre-Approval If you’re the type to spend weekends browsing open houses without immediate plans to buy—affectionately known as a “weekend warrior home buyer” or a “long-term open houser”—you understand the thrill of the hunt. There’s a unique excitement in exploring potential homes and imagining…

How hourly wages impact mortgage loan approvals

By Scott Sheldon / April 28, 2024

Are you dreaming of owning your own home but finding it challenging to secure a mortgage due to your hourly wage? You’re not alone. Many individuals face hurdles in obtaining residential mortgage loans, particularly those paid hourly with varying work hours. Let’s delve into why this can be a struggle and explore potential solutions. When…

Navigating the Decision to Wait for Lower Mortgage Rates

By Scott Sheldon / April 22, 2024

Are you holding off on buying a home, hoping that interest rates will come down? It’s a common sentiment among consumers, but before you delay your homeownership dreams, let’s take a closer look at the financial implications… Let’s start with an example: Suppose the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage today is 6 1/2%, and you’re considering…

Why your income is the biggest driver of purchasing power

By Scott Sheldon / April 8, 2024

When it comes to purchasing a home, your monthly income is the most influential factor, surpassing even your credit score and available cash. Understanding how your income impacts your purchasing power is essential for aspiring homeowners. Let’s explore this concept with practical examples and actionable insights. Consider this scenario: You earn $100,000 annually, and based…

How to ease lending qualifications when buying a home

By Scott Sheldon / April 4, 2024

Hey there, fellow dreamer! Are you ready to take the leap into homeownership and turn your dream home fantasies into reality? If you’re anything like me, the prospect of embarking on this journey can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. But fear not, because I’ve been there, and I’m here to share some insights that could…