The Mortgage Files
Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.
Are USDA loans worth the hype?
The US Department of Agriculture guarantees loans for certain families in certain geographic locations. These loans can be potentially an affordable loan program to help a family who doesn’t have a down payment buy a home in an area considered to be less industrialized a.k.a. agricultural. If you’re looking to get a USDA loan, here…
Read More about Are USDA loans worth the hype?How to align expectations with market conditions to buy a home
You have decided to you want to buy a home. You supply the lender with all your paperwork, and you know you can afford a mortgage even if it’s a little outside of your payment comfort, but for whatever reason you just can’t seem to get into a contract. The stars are not aligning, which,…
Read More about How to align expectations with market conditions to buy a homeMortgage loan programs for unconventional scenarios
If you’re trying to get a home loan to purchase a home, but you’re self-employed, and have some unique sources of income, or don’t show income on tax returns. there are still programs out there. The following are some examples of non-traditional options that might help you as it relates to successfully getting a mortgage…
Read More about Mortgage loan programs for unconventional scenariosWhy to plan for the long term when buying a home
Getting your piece of the American dream, buying a home, it’s one of the pivotal moments in life. It can for many families be bedrock by which future happy family memories are made… Real estate is a buy and hold game and interest rates should have no bearing on your long-term financial plans for owning…
Read More about Why to plan for the long term when buying a homeHere’s how your homebuying options change when interest rates fall
You and your family are thinking about buying a home, but the prospect of a 6.5-7.0% mortgage doesn’t sound all that appealing right? Do you want interest rates to come down so you can have a more affordable mortgage? This makes sense, but it’s a deeper problem and here are some things you should be…
Read More about Here’s how your homebuying options change when interest rates fallWhy rising interest rates can be good news for some homebuyers
Rising interest rates, for some homebuyers, can be beneficial. While it is true, rising interest rates do diminish purchasing power for the right situation, it actually could be beneficial. Here is what to know… Most people look at the big picture. They look at interest rates, the cost of funds and make a determination about…
Read More about Why rising interest rates can be good news for some homebuyersShould you buy a single family or mobile home?
Buying a home is a big decision, and deciding what type of home can be an even bigger one. If you are trying to decide to what purchase considering the following… Single family homes contain lower interest the lowest interest rates and provide the most amount of financing options. These types of properties are also…
Read More about Should you buy a single family or mobile home?Should you cash out refinance or take out a home equity line of credit?
So you have a situation in which you need to access cash. You have a first mortgage at 3%, lots of equity in your home and you want to cash out refinance in order to do a new improvement. What’s the best way to access that money?.. The reality of it is you pretty much…
Read More about Should you cash out refinance or take out a home equity line of credit?