The Mortgage Files

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

Should you refinance into a higher rate mortgage?

By Scott Sheldon / April 3, 2022

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.…

Buying a piece of land and put a home on it

By Scott Sheldon / February 20, 2022

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…

3 creative ways to come up with a down payment

By Scott Sheldon / December 19, 2021

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…

The new credit score you need to get a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / November 28, 2021

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…

Don’t be an “I don’t want to waste your time” mortgage consumer

By Scott Sheldon / November 3, 2021

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…

Could there be a real estate market crash

By Scott Sheldon / October 27, 2021

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…

Why your student loan might cost you a house

By Scott Sheldon / October 6, 2021

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…

Should you really worry about PMI when buying or refinancing a house?

By Scott Sheldon / October 3, 2021

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…