The Mortgage Files
Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.
How saving plays a role in your home buying plan
Saving up to buy a home is no easy feat. Here’s what you should take into consideration when planning out a home purchase. One of the key components of being able to successfully buy a home is having enough cash for a down payment plus closing costs. Generally, you’ll need at least $20,000 to buy…
Read More about How saving plays a role in your home buying planIs down payment assistance worth it to a buy a home?
If you’re looking to buy a house with little or no cash your options may be limited. Here is what you need to know to get your foot in the door, successfully… Down payment assistance programs Down payment assistance can be sponsored by a local state or government entity or entity grant. Essentially, down payment…
Read More about Is down payment assistance worth it to a buy a home?How mortgage lender can make a loan work when another cannot
Ever work with a mortgage company to later on find your loan won’t work, and another delivers? There’s a reason for it. Here’s what you should know about mortgage companies. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has safeguards in place to make sure mortgage companies operate off of a level playing field with consumers. The level…
Read More about How mortgage lender can make a loan work when another cannotHow to buy a home and finance the repairs at the same time
You’re preapproved; suddenly a home matching your criteria pops up on the market. Then it hits you, the house needs a ton of work. Here are things to consider when the house you’re trying to buy house needs tender loving care… The reality is resale homes may need work including everything from a new roof,…
Read More about How to buy a home and finance the repairs at the same timeNew underwriting guidelines coming June 25 may change your mortgage
New changes coming to Fannie Mae’s automated underwriting system June 25 could change the way you get a mortgage. Here’s how… Fannie Mae has announced the way they look at credit is about to change for all loan applications dated June 25, 2016 or after. Lenders use Fannie Mae’s automated underwriting system (Desktop Underwriter) for…
Read More about New underwriting guidelines coming June 25 may change your mortgageMake your credit fit the mortgage box
If you have some credit challenges preventing you from getting mortgage with competitive rates and fees, read on. Here are some tips you can take to the bank… Know this: you need not have perfect credit to buy a home or get a mortgage. Your credit just needs to be sufficient; good, bad, ugly or…
Read More about Make your credit fit the mortgage boxShould you buy a fixer house?
Is the house in fair condition a good bet? Here are some things to consider if the affordable home you’re eyeing needs some work. The first thing to consider when buying a home is location. Location, location location is the credence held by most real estate experts. The reality of the market; true fixer homes…
Read More about Should you buy a fixer house?Should you pay off high interest debt first when getting a mortgage?
How you plan and budget your finances can have a big affect on whether or not you can qualify for a home loan. Following is what you should know if you’re trying to spruce up your financial picture for a mortgage… Not all debt is created equal. For sound financial planning purposes eliminating the expenses…
Read More about Should you pay off high interest debt first when getting a mortgage?