The Mortgage Files

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

Can you buy a house with no credit?

By Scott Sheldon / October 17, 2021

If you’re trying to buy a home, you’re preapproved, and you’ve been making offers, but you keep losing out because you have multiple offers, here are some things you need to consider. 1st things 1st, this is provided that your loan is fully intact, that you are well qualified, and that the loan essentially is…

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…

How to increase your investment rate of return using mortgage financing

By Scott Sheldon / September 26, 2021

If you’re looking to get a good return on your money, and you’re looking at bank accounts, you might want to consider paying down your mortgage balance. Before you do, here are some things you should consider… Most bank accounts generate paltry rates of return. Those returns are not getting you any interest on your…

How to get a mortgage if your 2020 tax return was low due to covid_19

By Scott Sheldon / September 19, 2021

As we are entering into pandemic manageability, one of the things lenders are still looking for as it pertains to self-employment borrowers is positive income from your tax return… Both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the FHA and the VA all want two years of tax returns. Lenders also these days request a year-to-date…

Should you buy a house with a homeowners association?

By Scott Sheldon / September 12, 2021

Homeowners’ associations are legal governing bodies that determine the Aesthetics of the property, uniformity, and oftentimes cover things like maintenance of the property, garbage sometimes sewer, water, and various other things. A Homeowner’s association is a legal entity what that means is that they can enforce the rules and the regulations of the association. What…

How to get a first time home buyer program

By Scott Sheldon / September 5, 2021

Buying your first home requires careful consideration of your cash, credit, and income. A first-time homebuyer is anyone who has not owned a house or any real estate in the last 2 years. Here’s what you need to know… The reality of it is that there aren’t any special first-time homebuyer programs out there in…

Should you improve your credit or buy a house now?

By Scott Sheldon / August 29, 2021

One of the challenges to purchasing a home is your credit score. Everyone knows to obtain the best financing available you need to have good credit or even better great credit. But for everybody else, if you’re quiet is questionable or middle of the road this information is for you…   Traditionally, to get a…

How your profit and loss statement may affect your mortgage application

By Scott Sheldon / August 22, 2021

If you’re self-employed you need to know that lenders are going to ask for a profit and loss statement year to date. Here’s what it is and why it’s needed if you’re self-employed and you’re trying to get a mortgage… If you’re trying to secure home financing whether you’re buying a house or refinancing one…