The Mortgage Files

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

How to remove private mortgage insurance

By Scott Sheldon / May 16, 2017

There is too much information circling around the internet, about how to remove mortgage insurance from your monthly mortgage payment. Unfortunately, it is not as simple as having 20% home equity either. Here is what you need to know about removing this dreaded housing cost. Is the loan insured by FHA or is the loan…

Here is the lowest credit score you need to get a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / May 5, 2017

Contrary to what you may hear or read, your credit does not have to be stellar to get a mortgage. Most banks and lenders require at least a 640 credit score. However, not all lenders are created equally. Here is what you need to know if you are trying to get a mortgage with bad…

Why you cannot opt out of title insurance when getting a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / April 21, 2017

If you are like most consumers, you want to have a clear understanding of the fees associated with a mortgage. The closing process, lender fees, title fees, etc. This is so you know exactly how all the numbers add up. Here is something you need to know regarding getting title insurance when purchasing or refinancing…

How to write a killer letter to get your purchase offer accepted

By Scott Sheldon / February 23, 2017

Buying a home in a competitive market means you need to have all of your ducks in a row. You can be successful in this by putting your best foot forward before the starting gate. One way to spruce up your offer is to write a letter to the seller. All sellers have different reasons…

The factors that determine your loan fees

By Scott Sheldon / January 5, 2017

Costs to secure your financing are a big factor when it comes time to getting a mortgage. Knowing why your loan costs (X) dollars is critical in being able to better understand how lenders price loans in the marketplace. This is what you need to know… All loans have fees. All fees are paid for by…

How to get a mortgage for a manufactured home without mortgage insurance

By Scott Sheldon / December 23, 2016

If you own a manufactured home, or if you are looking to purchase one, here is what you need to know when it comes to mortgage loan financing: Manufactured homes are not the same thing as modular homes. Manufactured homes are constructed, purchased at a dealer, and then moved to their final destination where they…

Should you really buy that home?

By Scott Sheldon / October 12, 2016

Buying a home is no easy feat. There’s a lot of paperwork and you need to be on top of your to secure the big ticket purchase. How do determine if you should pull the trigger or wait… Banks will let you take on a mortgage payment at no bigger than 45% of your monthly…

Getting a mortgage is still not an easy process

By Scott Sheldon / August 25, 2016

Well it might appear as though getting a mortgage is easier than it was a few years ago, the process is still dicey.  It is no secret in the industry the majority of loans do not close on time. Here’s what you need to know if you’re going to be getting a mortgage in the…