The Mortgage Files

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

The catch with today’s low-interest-rate environment

By Scott Sheldon / October 2, 2020

If you’re getting a mortgage or thinking about getting any type of mortgage loan financing and you’re looking at interest rates for 30-year mortgages in the mid to s for example here’s what you need to know… Most mortgage offerings in the marketplace today at or sub 3% come with varying rates fees and in…

Can you get a mortgage if you are furloughed?

By Scott Sheldon / September 16, 2020

Many employers have furloughed employees due to work capacity, financial constraints other reasons. If you’re furloughed with your current job more than likely you’re going to have a difficult time getting a mortgage. While each individual company might have a different guideline, most lenders from a blanket standpoint have a requirement in place that you…

Types of mortgages that may cost more

By Scott Sheldon / September 9, 2020

It’s no surprise 30-year mortgage rates today are under 3% with good credit, good equity, and good income. What you might not know is that not all loan situations are considered equal. Here are the several types of financing situations that might end up costing you more money… Please know your neighbor down the street…

The number one thing you need to watch out for on FHA and VA mortgages

By Scott Sheldon / September 2, 2020

Both programs offer extremely attractive interest rates, incredibly flexible qualifying, and also support less than perfect credit. Overall the programs are very favorable to producing an outcome that is practical and affordable. However, there is something you need to know about government mortgages that can be particularly difficult depending on your financial situation. Here is…

Should you refinance with today’s historically low rates?

By Scott Sheldon / August 21, 2020

Many experts will tell you shouldn’t refinance unless you’re saving 1% lower in rate. With today’s interest rates being on average below 3%  here’s how you should determine whether refinancing for you and your family makes sense or not… Stop paying attention to all of the internet articles and all the so-called financial experts out…

Why interest rates will probably not get any lower

By Scott Sheldon / June 11, 2020

Interest rates are a big driver of the mortgage market. People purchasing houses and refinancing houses are taking advantage of today’s historically low rates. Here are some fundamentals you should be aware of when it comes to interest rates and what the market may or may not do going forward… First things first what drives…

How energy independence home improvement loans may affect your mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / May 28, 2020

If you’re going to be doing a refinance of your house and you have an energy Independence program that’s built into your real estate taxes- here is what you need to know. Originally, these loans were required to be paid off because most of these programs are built into the property taxes of your mortgage,…

How the new PPP Loan may adversely affect your mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / May 11, 2020

If you’re looking for mortgage loan financing and you have taking out or considering the new federal paycheck Protection Program mortgage loan here’s some things you need to know… Residential Mortgage financing does require a certain amount of monthly income and having expenses that are low enough to be in alignment with a new proposed…