The Mortgage Files

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

What’s going to happen with interest rates in 2022

By Scott Sheldon / January 2, 2022

One of the big questions on the minds of consumers looking to purchase or refinance a home is what’s going to happen with interest rates in 2022. Interest rates, while they remain at historical lows, may experience some movement in 2022. Here’s what you should come to expect if you’re going to be buying a…

3 creative ways to come up with a down payment

By Scott Sheldon / December 19, 2021

Purchasing a house is no easy feat. One of the major elements you need to have to purchase a house is to have a good down payment. This will afford your the ability to get the lowest interest rate, and the lowest possible payment on your credit score, income, and purchasing price. Here are 3…

Why these 2 factors drive housing prices above all else

By Scott Sheldon / October 31, 2021

People are astonished at how housing prices are so strong right now. These 2 Housing factors are playing a very important role in the housing market. More importantly in one’s ability to decide to purchase a home Your income people. Do not buy houses unless they’re feeling good about their income. More specifically, their job…

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…

Conventional mortgages with less than a 620 credit score? Yep it’s real

By Scott Sheldon / October 13, 2021

The government just made a small change to residential mortgage loans opening the door for more families to secure conventional financing. Here is what you need to know if you’re purchasing or refinancing a house and your credit score needs some love. I’ve been told recently the only residential mortgage loan that was available to…

These little lending nuances may help you land a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / June 26, 2018

Getting a mortgage in 2018 there is a bureaucratic and compliant process with a significant amount of paperwork involved. Following is some tips on various loan programs available in the marketplace you may not know… Conventional mortgages they will go up to a debt to income ratio of 50%. Here is the kicker if your…

Tax return losses may hurt your mortgage chances

By Scott Sheldon / May 23, 2017

Qualifying for a mortgage involves: an acceptable credit score, sufficient assets and stable income. These are to show you can support a mortgage payment, plus other liabilities. You must have a balance of all three to successfully qualify for financing. The following is what you must know when trying to qualify with “paper losses” on…

Why an FHA loan may be a suitable choice

By Scott Sheldon / April 28, 2017

 FHA loans have gotten a bad rap in the last few years. Here is the Granddaddy Truth about FHA loans, you should really consider if you are looking for mortgage options! FHA loans are another option you can take as a borrower, to help you accomplish your financial goal. The Federal Housing Administration ensures the…