The Mortgage Files

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

Don’t be the “I don’t want to waste your time” consumer

By Scott Sheldon / July 10, 2022

People looking to buy or refinance a home may have been turned down by another mortgage company based on their financial situation. If you’ve been turned down before and you think all odds are against you don’t give up. The first step to failure is not to try. Simply put don’t be that customer that…

What’s the minimum down payment to buy a home?

By Scott Sheldon / July 6, 2022

The Internet does a wonderful job of supplying different information about the minimum down payment you need to buy a home. Read one article you’ll have an idea of what it would take, read another article, and its completely different information. So, how do you assimilate an endless amount of online information as it relates…

You just got notice to vacate, should you buy a house or continue to rent?

By Scott Sheldon / July 3, 2022

If you are presently renting and you received notification that your lease is no longer going to be renewed. Do you buy a new house to live in or continue renting? Here are some things to consider as it relates to deciding what you and your family should do big picture. Buying a house might…

When are housing prices going to return to normal?

By Scott Sheldon / June 29, 2022

For those that have been sitting on the sidelines, watching what’s happening in the market. Are you thinking to yourself “gosh I should have bought a house last year or a few years ago!” Remember, hindsight is 20-20 and you can’t regress you can only go forward. So, when are housing prices going to return…

how filing your tax returns might hurt your mortgage chances

By Scott Sheldon / June 26, 2022

If you’re looking to purchase or refinance a home, and you have not filed your 2021 tax return yet. And this goes for any year, here’s what you need to know as it relates to showing income.   Let’s say you’re self-employed or you’re a W2 employee and you have additional income sources. Such as…

Federal reserve’s change to policy

By Scott Sheldon / June 19, 2022

Here is what the federal reserve’s change to monetary policy on June 15th, 2022, means for mortgage rates. If you’re buying or refinancing a home the information in this article is for you. The Federal Reserve increased interest rates on June 15th by 75 basis points. This is to curb surging inflation and tame what…

Freddie Mac changes to accessory dwelling units

By Scott Sheldon / June 13, 2022

On June 3rd Freddie Mac announced changes to Freddie Mac conventional mortgages for single-family homes with granny units. These changes allow for expanded financing on Freddie Mac mortgages. So, if you’re looking for a mortgage that has a single-family residence with a granny unit this information might be for you. The following changes at Freddie…

Two ways to get your purchase offer accepted

By Scott Sheldon / June 5, 2022

Everyone knows buying a house right now is challenging. Across the nation is a competitive real estate market brought on by an exceptionally low supply on a national level. As a result, in most markets throughout the country, homes are going over the asking price based on other competitive offers bidding up the homes. That…