The Mortgage Files

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

Why your credit score is not the only thing that matters when it comes to getting a mortgage loan

By Scott Sheldon / July 2, 2023

If you’re thinking about doing any kind of a mortgage loan to purchase or refinance a home, and your credit needs some work, that might be a sign to pull back, and it also might not. Here are some things to consider that go in correlation with getting a mortgage beyond your credit score. Let’s…

5 signs you should wait to buy a house

By Scott Sheldon / June 25, 2023

If you’re thinking about buying a home, but you’re just not sure. You’re probably better off listening to your gut. That looming credit card debt, or personal loan, that you just can’t seem to kick whatever the case may be here are five reasons you might want to think about waiting to purchase a home…

Here’s how to buy a house even if you think your income may not qualify

By Scott Sheldon / June 18, 2023

If you’re looking to get prequalified to buy a home, one of the main elements, a lender will use to determine your ability to afford that home is your income. Your gross monthly income from your W-2 wages or your net income from your tax returns is what the lender will use as a basis…

How numbers in the mortgage process may change

By Scott Sheldon / June 4, 2023

When you apply for a home the lender analyzes your credit score, your income credit score, and assets in determining your eligibility to buy a home. If anything changes in the process, numbers can as a result… Numbers can change in the process in any number of the following ways- insurance on your home is…

Should you build a house or buy a rebuild home?

By Scott Sheldon / May 28, 2023

For consumers who are beginning the road into homeownership, the notion of building a home versus buying something already built may seem attractive. If you are trying to decide, here are some factors to weigh in on… Building a home generally means you need to have the land first. Financing can sometimes be problematic as…

Why failing banks is good news for mortgage rates

By Scott Sheldon / May 22, 2023

In the last few weeks, a handful of big banks have failed including Silicon Valley bank signature bank, and now First Republic Bank. While this is not a repeat of 2008, it does signal instability in the broader mortgage market which may be good news for long-term mortgage rates. Hear some things to consider… First…

What the bank or credit union may not be telling about their juicy mortgage offer

By Scott Sheldon / May 14, 2023

You just went into a contract to buy a home, and now it’s time to get a mortgage loan to close escrow. If you decide to ask your local credit union or bank for mortgage info, make sure to read all the fine print. Here is some practical information to be aware of before you…

Why hourly wage earners sometimes have a hard time getting a home loan

By Scott Sheldon / May 9, 2023

You’re all excited to purchase your first home, you have a good job, you have a good down payment, and you’ve got a good credit score. What could go wrong, right? Here’s an occurrence that happens pretty frequently you might not know about and more specifically what to do about it as it relates to…