The Mortgage Files
Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.
How to get a mortgage with a credit score under 620
Here is what most banks and mortgage companies will not tell you. If you have a bad credit score they don’t want your business. It’s the truth. Every financial institution wants borrowers with good credit, a healthy down payment, a stable job and low manageable debts. The reality is that most people don’t fit the…
Read More about How to get a mortgage with a credit score under 620When is the right time to buy a home?
The right time to purchase a home is different for every consumer. Following are some reason why you may want to pull the trigger sooner rather than later. In most areas throughout the country over the last 30 years anyone who has bought a home and held it for a 10 year cycle has done financially…
Read More about When is the right time to buy a home?How Fannie Mae’s debt to income change may help you get a mortgage
Fannie Mae recently announced changes to its debt-to-income ratio policy, increasing its allowance from 45% to 50% starting on July 29th. Here is what that’s going to mean for mortgage borrowers going forward… A debt-to-income ratio is the benchmark tool lenders use to determine a borrower’s ability to repay. Such things as minimum payments on car…
Read More about How Fannie Mae’s debt to income change may help you get a mortgageWill a low down loan help you buy a home?
Low down-payment loans have been around much longer than most people realize. 2008 was the re-emergence of the FHA, only requiring 3.5% down. Today loans backed by the government requiring even less down are becoming popular. Here’s what you need to know if you’re working with a low down-payment loan to purchase a home… Low…
Read More about Will a low down loan help you buy a home?Is the end near for Dodd Frank?
Dodd Frank is the financial overhaul that took place a couple of years ago in the aftermath of the financial crisis. The House of Representatives on Thursday, June 18, are advancing a bill known as the Financial Choice Act putting into motion a series of events that may lead to the demise of Dodd Frank.…
Read More about Is the end near for Dodd Frank?Why this factor will not matter when refinancing
If it has been a few years since you took out a mortgage loan, be prepared for questions, and to thoroughly document everything. A critical characteristic of good character is payment history. Payment history is indicator of good financial merit, however it does not hold any weight in the larger financial picture. You must have…
Read More about Why this factor will not matter when refinancingHow to buy a home when you have one to sell first
Purchasing a home can be tricky if you have a home to sell first. For many, the opportunity to purchase a new home can only come from the sale of the home they currently own. Here are some tips to help navigate hurdles of buying a home when going in “contingent”. You want to purchase…
Read More about How to buy a home when you have one to sell firstTax return losses may hurt your mortgage chances
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…
Read More about Tax return losses may hurt your mortgage chances