The Mortgage Files
Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.
Should you buy a home in cash or finance it?
If you’re looking to buy a house and you have the economic means to do so, you might be considering whether it makes sense to buy the house in cash and be mortgage free or take out mortgage loan. At the end of the day, it boils down to personal preference, However, before you make…
Read More about Should you buy a home in cash or finance it?Why rising interest rates can be good news for some homebuyers
Rising interest rates, for some homebuyers, can be beneficial. While it is true, rising interest rates do diminish purchasing power for the right situation, it actually could be beneficial. Here is what to know… Most people look at the big picture. They look at interest rates, the cost of funds and make a determination about…
Read More about Why rising interest rates can be good news for some homebuyersShould you cash out refinance or take out a home equity line of credit?
So you have a situation in which you need to access cash. You have a first mortgage at 3%, lots of equity in your home and you want to cash out refinance in order to do a new improvement. What’s the best way to access that money?.. The reality of it is you pretty much…
Read More about Should you cash out refinance or take out a home equity line of credit?Why failing banks is good news for mortgage rates
In the last few weeks, a handful of big banks have failed including Silicon Valley bank signature bank, and now First Republic Bank. While this is not a repeat of 2008, it does signal instability in the broader mortgage market which may be good news for long-term mortgage rates. Hear some things to consider… First…
Read More about Why failing banks is good news for mortgage ratesWhat the bank or credit union may not be telling about their juicy mortgage offer
You just went into a contract to buy a home, and now it’s time to get a mortgage loan to close escrow. If you decide to ask your local credit union or bank for mortgage info, make sure to read all the fine print. Here is some practical information to be aware of before you…
Read More about What the bank or credit union may not be telling about their juicy mortgage offerHow to avoid common self employed mortgage mistakes
If you’re self-employed and trying to get prequalified to buy a home period it is not only the income you show on paper, the total picture matters. Here’s what you need to know if you self employed and applying for a mortgage loan… You’re your own boss, you don’t work for anyone else, and you…
Read More about How to avoid common self employed mortgage mistakesShould I pay discount points when locking my interest rate?
For those looking to purchase to refinance a home, there might be some shellshock as it relates to costs associated with getting a home loan these days. It’s no surprise we are still in an inflationary environment and home loan rates are still feeling the effects of the broader inflationary environment. As a result, you…
Read More about Should I pay discount points when locking my interest rate?What’s the lowest credit score to get a home loan?
There is a significant amount of inaccurate information online and in the real estate community about the credit score needed to get a home loan to purchase or refinance a home. Talk to one company they’ll tell you XYZ, talk to another company they’ll tell you something else entirely, talk to another company, and you…
Read More about What’s the lowest credit score to get a home loan?