The Mortgage Files
Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.
Should you refinance into a higher rate mortgage?
It is no surprise inflation is upon us, and interest rates are feeling the rising cost of goods and services. Everything seems like it is going up in price. Mortgage rates are no exception. One thing you might want to consider as it relates to refinancing your house is there is a net tangible benefit.…
Read More about Should you refinance into a higher rate mortgage?Buying a piece of land and put a home on it
People are always trying to find additional ways to reduce their costs when buying a home. Maybe that means buying a lower price point or changing to a condominium instead of a single-family house. Another segment of the market in most people’s home search journey considers the possibility of buying a piece of land and…
Read More about Buying a piece of land and put a home on it3 creative ways to come up with a down payment
Purchasing a house is no easy feat. One of the major elements you need to have to purchase a house is to have a good down payment. This will afford your the ability to get the lowest interest rate, and the lowest possible payment on your credit score, income, and purchasing price. Here are 3…
Read More about 3 creative ways to come up with a down paymentThe new credit score you need to get a mortgage
It was recently announced there’s a credit score change to conventional loans. This credit score change is now shaping the way families can procure a mortgage. If your credit score needs a little bit of love, and where you should be concerned about your credit score. FHA mortgages require a 580-credit score with most banks…
Read More about The new credit score you need to get a mortgageDon’t be an “I don’t want to waste your time” mortgage consumer
Mortgage companies must look at the overall picture in helping you qualify to purchase or refinance a home. If you think you might not qualify or there’s something in your financial picture, the lender still must look at the overall financial scenario to see if they can help you. So, if you think that there’s…
Read More about Don’t be an “I don’t want to waste your time” mortgage consumerCould there be a real estate market crash
Could there be a real estate market crash? The so-called financial experts have predicted this since 2008, since the last financial crisis. Are we in a housing bubble? And what should you do as it pertains to purchasing a home if you’ve been on the fence? Here are some things to be aware of…
Read More about Could there be a real estate market crashWhy your student loan might cost you a house
For anyone who has ever borrowed money, one of the things that will follow you till the end is a student loan. Repayment terms on a student loan, specifically state that the loan will get paid in full. You can’t short the debt, you can’t bankrupt the debt, and it will follow you until the…
Read More about Why your student loan might cost you a houseShould you really worry about PMI when buying or refinancing a house?
One of the dreaded things of the housing and mortgage industry is an additional expense called private mortgage insurance that’s added to your monthly mortgage payment. PMI should be avoided by whatever means necessary. However, perception is everything so let’s talk about and break down what PMI is and whether is it as bad as…
Read More about Should you really worry about PMI when buying or refinancing a house?