The Mortgage Files

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

3 ways that will prevent you from getting a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / February 12, 2020

If you want a mortgage, you need to play by the lender’s rules. There’s an old saying called the Golden Rule he who has the money makes the rules. When it comes to getting mortgage loan financing you need to be prepared to show supporting income documentation and have your ducks lined up. Here is…

Why your income is your lifeline to finance a home

By Scott Sheldon / January 23, 2020

Getting mortgage loan financing requires you providing a blend of good cash, ample credit, and income to offset a proposed new expense i.e. a mortgage loan. You must have the right blend of all three in order to purchase or refinance a home. What might not make sense however is the lifeline that’s going to…

New loan limits for 2020 makes getting a mortgage easier

By Scott Sheldon / December 1, 2019

The Federal Housing Finance Agency which oversees loans bought by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced to change to the conforming loan limit last week. Here’s what the change means for you… Every year the Federal Housing Finance Agency releases its loan limits for the next year. Over the last 4 years, the agency has…

Should you Cash out refinance and remodel or buy another property?

By Scott Sheldon / November 10, 2019

Homeowners who have outgrown their houses may be considering the possibility of buying another property or just staying put and remodeling the one they already have. Here are some things to consider if you’re trying to determine what makes the most financial sense… When you buy your first home you might not be thinking about…

8 common mortgage misconceptions most consumers ask about

By Scott Sheldon / October 13, 2019

The internet is full of information about purchasing or refinancing a house. Some of it tangible some of it not worth the paper it’s written on. Here are seven of the most common misconceptions with regards to getting a mortgage… Pulling credit for a mortgage automatically tanks your credit score. The reality of it is…

Why the purchase price should not be the single most important factor

By Scott Sheldon / September 8, 2019

When buying a home most would believe the number one most important thing you need to be focused on is what you pay for the house. Mom and dad who bought their house years ago, Grandma and Grandpa who bought their house back in the early 1980s when housing prices were $40,000 all have an…

Here are 2 mortgage process problems you will want to avoid

By Scott Sheldon / July 28, 2019

Securing mortgage loan financing is the cornerstone of financial prosperity in America. It’s one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever take on your life. Here’s watch to avoid when applying for a high-ticket mortgage… Make no mistake the way mortgage companies must originate loans is 100% controlled by the federal government. That means the “asks”…

The number one mistake you don’t want to make when getting a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / July 7, 2019

It may seem for some families like purchasing a refinancing a house is an endless amount of paperwork. To most people the mortgage process probably is that complex. Here’s what you need to know when it comes time to getting a mortgage and the number one thing that you want to make sure to avoid…