The Mortgage Files

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

Why rising interest rates can be good news for some homebuyers

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…

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credit score to buy a home

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…

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profit and loss self employed mortgage

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…

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mortgages rates and covid 19

How Covid_19 completely changed mortgage rates

By Scott Sheldon / August 14, 2021

It is no surprise Covid has influenced mortgage interest rates in the last 12 months. The coronavirus and its effect on the economy in particular the financial markets have been unprecedented, to say the least. Here’s how covid changed interest rates and what you can expect going forward if you’ve been thinking about refinancing a…

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how to get make the right mortgage loan decision for you

Why most financial experts get mortgages wrong

By Scott Sheldon / July 18, 2021

There’s so much financial misinformation online it’s inundating. Here are some things the experts say as it relates to housing and mortgages for you to consider when trying to get financially ahead… You have to put down 20% to purchase a house  The reality is nothing could be further from the truth. They say this…

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Should you cash out refinance or take out a home equity line of credit?

Borrowing a down payment to buy a home? Watch our for these two retirement accounts

By Scott Sheldon / July 12, 2021

One of the best things you can do to proactively position you and your family to buy a home is to borrow money from your 401K after all, it’s your money. If you’re thinking about pulling money from retirement to buy a home here’s what you need to know and the 2 types of accounts…

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2024 Conforming & FHA Loan Limits increased!

Should you buy a house or keep saving? The answer might surprise you

By Scott Sheldon / June 21, 2021

In order to buy a house successfully unless you’re a military veteran using VA financing you absolutely need a down payment. Down payment assistance programs, no money down programs that do exist is challenging to qualify for, let alone getting into contract.  Here is what to know… That being said you need at least $20k…

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income tax returns mortgage 2021

How to get a mortgage without tax returns for 2021

By Scott Sheldon / April 14, 2021

It goes without saying getting mortgage loan financing could be a little bit of an arduous process for some folks particularly those who have challenges showing income are in the self-employed category. The stated income loans and the loans that were created for self-employed borrowers unfortunately are very far and few these days and in…

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