The Mortgage Files

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

The best way to cash out refinance your home

By Scott Sheldon / April 17, 2022

Consumers are no strangers to the present economic times we are living in right now as everything is rising, and inflation is rampant virtually everywhere. Gas prices, stock prices, housing prices, mortgage rates the list goes on. As cost rises the need to borrow money also increases.   If you have been thinking about doing…

Should you refinance during rising rates?

By Scott Sheldon / March 14, 2022

If you’re thinking about refinancing your house and you’ve been on the fence; now would be a good time to start that application. Interest rates are all relative so it’s important to understand the total picture when deciding whether you should refinance your property.   It’s no surprise that the federal reserve more than likely…

How your credit cards shape your ability to get a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / February 6, 2022

Maintaining a personal budget and having a good financial plan associated with your income is a good 1st step in preparing yourself to get mortgage loan financing. Whether you are buying a home or refinancing, consumer debts matter. It can make or break your situation. Here are some things you might want to give some…

Federal reserve hikes interest rates

By Scott Sheldon / January 30, 2022

Probably the biggest misnomer in mortgage finance is what consumers’ interest rates do when the Federal Reserve hikes interest rates up. The Federal Reserve is trying to control and stimulate the economy or slow down the economy based on economic conditions. What they do or don’t do, does influence mortgage rates. But it is not…

How to purchase a house with a partial down payment

By Scott Sheldon / December 12, 2021

How do you buy a house with not quite enough money? Contrary to popular belief you can buy a house even if you don’t have enough money to do it. It’s a little technical but it’s going to require you, your realtor, and your lender to put your heads together. Here’s how it can be…

2022 conventional, FHA, VA, loan limits now rise

By Scott Sheldon / December 6, 2021

If you’ve been on the sidelines for residential financing, or you’re thinking about doing a loan, and you’ve had some difficulty as it relates to borrowing money for home mortgage financing. The new loan limits for 2022 could help bridge the gap from where you are to where you’re going in support of your financial…

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…

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…