The Mortgage Files

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

are usda loans worth the hype

Are USDA loans worth the hype?

By Scott Sheldon / September 24, 2023

The US Department of Agriculture guarantees loans for certain families in certain geographic locations. These loans can be potentially an affordable loan program to help a family who doesn’t have a down payment buy a home in an area considered to be less industrialized a.k.a. agricultural. If you’re looking to get a USDA loan, here…

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Mortgage loan programs for unconventional scenarios

Mortgage loan programs for unconventional scenarios

By Scott Sheldon / September 10, 2023

If you’re trying to get a home loan to purchase a home, but you’re self-employed, and have some unique sources of income, or don’t show income on tax returns. there are still programs out there.  The following are some examples of non-traditional options that might help you as it relates to successfully getting a mortgage…

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Should you buy a house or wait for the market to improve?

5 signs you should wait to buy a house

By Scott Sheldon / June 25, 2023

If you’re thinking about buying a home, but you’re just not sure. You’re probably better off listening to your gut. That looming credit card debt, or personal loan, that you just can’t seem to kick whatever the case may be here are five reasons you might want to think about waiting to purchase a home…

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Here is a smart mortgage strategy for buying a home in 2023

Here is a smart mortgage strategy for buying a home in 2023

By Scott Sheldon / June 11, 2023

If you’ve been on the fence about buying a home and you’re thinking about potentially getting prequalified. Here are some things you should give some consideration to… You might be telling yourself “I don’t want to buy a home right now because interest rates are kind of high.”  The question becomes in relation to what?…

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locking mortgage rate with discount points

Should I pay discount points when locking my interest rate?

By Scott Sheldon / March 12, 2023

For those looking to purchase to refinance a home, there might be some shellshock as it relates to costs associated with getting a home loan these days. It’s no surprise we are still in an inflationary environment and home loan rates are still feeling the effects of the broader inflationary environment. As a result, you…

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is a down payment assistance loan a good idea?

Is a down payment assistance loan to buy a home a good idea?

By Scott Sheldon / February 12, 2023

For those looking to purchase real estate particularly first-time home buyers, the notion of a down payment assistance loan where you need very little or no money to close escrow could be a very attractive option. Here are some things to consider if you’re evaluating a low or down-payment mortgage loan…  Down payment assistance loans…

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Why not all first time homebuyer programs are created equal

Why not all first time homebuyer programs are created equal

By Scott Sheldon / April 10, 2022

If you are just starting in life and trying to get your footprint in the real estate climate; the information in this post is for you. Everyone must start somewhere and buy that first home. That first home is always the big one it is by far the hardest and most emotional. It can also…

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How changing your preapproved amount may affect your home buying chances

How changing your preapproved amount may affect your home buying chances

By Scott Sheldon / December 26, 2021

So, you’re looking to purchase a house, you’re preapproved, and you’re on the home search. You and your realtor are going out on nights and weekends looking at homes and deciding if the house is the right fit for you and your family. Here’s some following information you should be aware of as it relates…

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