The Mortgage Files

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

mortgage self employed bad income tax year 2020 covid 19

How to get a mortgage if your 2020 tax return was low due to covid_19

By Scott Sheldon / September 19, 2021

As we are entering into pandemic manageability, one of the things lenders are still looking for as it pertains to self-employment borrowers is positive income from your tax return… Both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the FHA and the VA all want two years of tax returns. Lenders also these days request a year-to-date…

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Why rising interest rates can be good news for some homebuyers

Should you buy a house with a homeowners association?

By Scott Sheldon / September 12, 2021

Homeowners’ associations are legal governing bodies that determine the Aesthetics of the property, uniformity, and oftentimes cover things like maintenance of the property, garbage sometimes sewer, water, and various other things. A Homeowner’s association is a legal entity what that means is that they can enforce the rules and the regulations of the association. What…

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credit score to buy a home

Should you improve your credit or buy a house now?

By Scott Sheldon / August 29, 2021

One of the challenges to purchasing a home is your credit score. Everyone knows to obtain the best financing available you need to have good credit or even better great credit. But for everybody else, if you’re quiet is questionable or middle of the road this information is for you…   Traditionally, to get a…

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profit and loss self employed mortgage

How your profit and loss statement may affect your mortgage application

By Scott Sheldon / August 22, 2021

If you’re self-employed you need to know that lenders are going to ask for a profit and loss statement year to date. Here’s what it is and why it’s needed if you’re self-employed and you’re trying to get a mortgage… If you’re trying to secure home financing whether you’re buying a house or refinancing one…

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Should you cash out refinance or take out a home equity line of credit?

Borrowing a down payment to buy a home? Watch our for these two retirement accounts

By Scott Sheldon / July 12, 2021

One of the best things you can do to proactively position you and your family to buy a home is to borrow money from your 401K after all, it’s your money. If you’re thinking about pulling money from retirement to buy a home here’s what you need to know and the 2 types of accounts…

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2024 Conforming & FHA Loan Limits increased!

Should you buy a house or keep saving? The answer might surprise you

By Scott Sheldon / June 21, 2021

In order to buy a house successfully unless you’re a military veteran using VA financing you absolutely need a down payment. Down payment assistance programs, no money down programs that do exist is challenging to qualify for, let alone getting into contract.  Here is what to know… That being said you need at least $20k…

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New Jobs and Mortgages

Can you get a mortgage with a brand new job or a recent raise?

By Scott Sheldon / June 14, 2021

One of the most important things consumers have to deal with when securing mortgage loan financing besides having a good credit score and a good down payment is having income to actually offset the proposed liability i.e, a  mortgage payment. Income is single-handedly the most important thing because it drives affordability. Lenders and banks know…

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what to know about home loan appraisals right ow

What’s happening with home appraisals

By Scott Sheldon / June 4, 2021

When you go to purchase or refinance a home you need to get an appraisal. More often than not you usually will be based on the type of transaction that you’re doing. Here is the reality of today’s world with regards to appraisals and what you should expect when you’re buying or refinancing a home……

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