The Mortgage Files

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

Scott Sheldon's The Mortgage FIles Blog

It's Still Possible To Get A Mortgage Despite A Judgement

By Scott Sheldon / February 24, 2014

A judgement, a court ordered nightmare that if not handled correctly can make getting a mortgage loan much more stringent than it otherwise needs to be.  What you’re lender will want want… Quick Terms To Know Judgment-a court ordered debt that can arise from a number of factors, a lawsuit, a divorce,  business dispute to name…

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Scott Sheldon's The Mortgage FIles Blog

HARP After HAMP: How To Refinance After A Recent Loan Modification

By Scott Sheldon / June 9, 2013

Homeowners who went through difficult financial times in recent years, actually can still refinance their homes so long as their situations have changed for the better.  Many banks offered loan modifications to homeowners who otherwise couldn’t refinance due to equity position or repayment ability.  Two government programs have helped homeowners stay in their home and/or…

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Scott Sheldon's The Mortgage FIles Blog

My credit score is 620, what type of mortgage can I qualify for?

By Scott Sheldon / February 20, 2013

You are in luck! A middle 620 credit score or higher is needed for a conventional loan with at least 20% down. This could be your own funds or the funds can come in the form of a gift from family or close friends. This would typically be a non-mortgage insurance loan such as a…

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Scott Sheldon's The Mortgage FIles Blog

Will "Qualified Mortgages" Help Consumers?

By Scott Sheldon / January 13, 2013

On January 10, 2013, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau unveiled new rules to help protect consumers from unscrupulous mortgage lending. These rules implement underwriting criteria what constitutes a “qualified mortgage”.  As long as the mortgage lender meets certain criteria, the consumer cannot sue a lender for not verifying income, providing a loan to a consumer…

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Scott Sheldon's The Mortgage FIles Blog

Common Credit Score Mistakes Consumers Make When Getting A Mortgage: Tips To Avoid Them

By Scott Sheldon / September 24, 2012

For many, seeking a home loan is an exchange of trust and privacy when it comes to providing a social security number to obtain a credit report. The credit report is one of the foundational pillars mortgage companies use to originate a loan by taking into consideration debt obligations which impact borrowing ability. After reviewing…

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Scott Sheldon's The Mortgage FIles Blog

How To Get A Mortgage Loan Post Short Sale, Foreclosure or Bankrucpty Revisited

By Scott Sheldon / June 10, 2012

Not a week goes by when we are not asked “how soon can you buy a home or refinance a mortgage with a previous foreclosure, short sale or bankruptcy”. As the market continues to improve, many people are still seeking mortgage loans. Home buying opportunities have never been more affordable coupled with the low interest…

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Scott Sheldon's The Mortgage FIles Blog

Mortgage After Short Sale or Foreclosure

By Scott Sheldon / October 17, 2010

One of the things I am doing for folks who have been victims of this real estate market is helping them get back in shape to purchase a home in two to three years. Lots of people obtained purchase mortgage loans in 2004-2007. Many people have lost their homes and now they will need a…

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