The Mortgage Files

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

Scott Sheldon's The Mortgage FIles Blog

How the housing industry may be affected by the upcoming real estate changes

By Scott Sheldon / March 21, 2024

The recent settlement involving the National Association of Realtors regarding real estate agent compensation has the potential to impact both buyers and sellers in the industry. As we move into uncharted territory in the summer of 2024, it’s important to evaluate the possible effects of this change. Historically, the industry has accepted a real estate…

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How to maximize purchasing power when buying a home

How to maximize purchasing power when buying a home

By Scott Sheldon / February 29, 2024

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the intricacies of examining whether it’s wiser to invest more in down payments or to retain cash and utilize debt to enhance purchasing power. Traditionally, a larger down payment is linked to lower monthly mortgage payments and reduced overall interest costs. However, in today’s financial landscape, where liquidity…

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Why Refinancing Today Trumps Waiting for Lower Rates Tomorrow

Why Refinancing Today Trumps Waiting for Lower Rates Tomorrow

By Scott Sheldon / February 16, 2024

In the dynamic world of mortgage rates, the decision to refinance is often met with the lingering question of whether it’s worth waiting for even lower rates. The answer, especially if your interest rate is currently 7% or higher, is a resounding no. Here’s why taking advantage of today’s average 30-year fixed mortgage rates, ranging…

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Why you should wait for your credit to improve before applying for a mortgage

Why you should wait for your credit to improve before applying for a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / February 4, 2024

In the current consumer landscape, securing approval for a mortgage is a significant challenge. It’s widely acknowledged that applying for and obtaining a loan can be a bit tricky, considering factors like documentable income, credit history, and available cash. Your financial health, including payments and potential skeletons in the closet, all play crucial roles in…

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How to determine which mortgage loan program is best based on your credit score

How to determine which mortgage loan program is best based on your credit score

By Scott Sheldon / January 28, 2024

Choosing the right mortgage is crucial when you’re looking to finance your dream home. Two popular options are FHA loans and conventional loans, each with its own set of guidelines and requirements. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key differences between FHA and conventional loans, focusing on credit scores and how recent updates in…

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5 practical ways to increase your purchasing power when buying a home

Here is a quick formula for determining how much income you need to buy a home

By Scott Sheldon / January 19, 2024

Buying a home is a big financial decision, and affordability is the number one factor to consider. To determine how much home you can afford based on your income, you can use a simple formula… First, take your annual income gross pre-tax and multiply it by five. For example, if your annual income is $100,000,…

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Why Refinancing Today Trumps Waiting for Lower Rates Tomorrow

Do future Fed cuts mean lower mortgage rates?

By Scott Sheldon / January 11, 2024

When the Federal Reserve Bank increases or cuts the Fed funds rate, many people believe that it automatically makes mortgage rates go up or down. However, it’s not that simple. The relationship between the Fed’s actions on monetary policy and mortgage rates is a little more complex than that. When the Fed is increasing interest…

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Unlocking Dreams: A Festive Dip in Interest Rates

Building or Buying a Home with Little or No Down Payment: What to Consider

By Scott Sheldon / January 7, 2024

Title: Building or Buying a Home with Little or No Down Payment: What to Consider Are you dreaming of owning a home, but have little or no cash for a down payment? If you’re in this situation, you might be wondering whether building or buying a home is the right option for you. Both scenarios…

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