The Mortgage Files

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

Why Silicon Valley Bank failed and why it's good news for mortgage rates going forward

Why Silicon Valley Bank failed and why it’s good news for mortgage rates going forward

By Scott Sheldon / March 19, 2023

The recent failure of Silicon Valley Bank points to a broader issue that banks particularly depository institutions face as relates to their financial stability. Here is how this benefits your finances when buying or refinancing a home… Here is how a bank works, a bank takes the depositor’s money, and lends it out. They do…

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5 ways ypu will not get a home loan

5 ways you will not get a home loan to buy a home

By Scott Sheldon / February 26, 2023

Most people given a choice would desire to purchase a home, arguably, given their financial situation, and their ability to handle a monthly housing payment. Oddly enough, there are times from a lender’s perspective you might not get a home loan and it has nothing to do with your credit score, credit, history, income, or…

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is a down payment assistance loan a good idea?

Is a down payment assistance loan to buy a home a good idea?

By Scott Sheldon / February 12, 2023

For those looking to purchase real estate particularly first-time home buyers, the notion of a down payment assistance loan where you need very little or no money to close escrow could be a very attractive option. Here are some things to consider if you’re evaluating a low or down-payment mortgage loan…  Down payment assistance loans…

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how DSCR Loan work to buy rental homes

Why you might want to consider a DSCR loan to buy a rental property

By Scott Sheldon / January 22, 2023

What is a DSCR loan and how can this type of financing help you purchase a rental property portfolio? In Q3 2022, the DSCR loan emerged as a viable option for investors looking to buy a rental property who need a bit more flexibility than traditional loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. DSCR…

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4 proven ways real estate wealth

4 proven ways real estate will make your wealthier

By Scott Sheldon / January 8, 2023

If you’re thinking about buying a home, good, it’s a sound financial decision and it’s the bedrock by which most Americans in America have created wealth for themselves and their families. Here are the four pillars of owning real estate and how they all work in tandem with each other to make you wealthier as…

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How assumable mortgage loans work

How assumable mortgage loans work

By Scott Sheldon / December 11, 2022

If you’ve been thinking about buying a home and have been discouraged about interest rates you might be able to assume the seller’s mortgage. Think it’s too good to be true? It’s not. Here’s some information that you might need to know as it relates to assuming someone else’s mortgage when buying a home… Let’s…

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How to avoid getting a jumbo loan due to Coronavirus

New Mortgage Loan Limits for 2023

By Scott Sheldon / December 4, 2022

The Federal Housing Finance Agency announced on Tuesday, November 29th the new loan limits for 2023. The new conforming loan limit has increased and has been year over year 7 years in a row. If you’re thinking about purchasing or refinancing a home in 2023 here is what you need to know… The loan limit…

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

How to buy a home 2-1 and 3-2-1 Buydown Program

By Scott Sheldon / November 27, 2022

If you’re thinking about purchasing a home and you’re worried about the mortgage payment. Fear not, some, but not all mortgage companies might offer a buy-down program allowing you to get a below-market interest rate… It’s no surprise mortgage rates are presently on the higher side averaging 6.4 to 6.99 depending on your credit score,…

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