The Mortgage Files

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

Scott Sheldon's The Mortgage FIles Blog

Understanding Income Averaging in Fannie Mae Loans

By Scott Sheldon / March 6, 2025

When qualifying for a home loan, one challenge many borrowers face is presenting irregular or fluctuating income in a way that accurately reflects their long-term earning potential. Both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac provide guidelines that allow mortgage lenders to use an averaged income approach to assess a borrower’s ability to repay a mortgage. This…

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A couple discussing mortgage options, exploring how alimony impacts their home buying power."

How Alimony Can Boost Your Mortgage Buying Power

By Scott Sheldon / February 12, 2025

How Alimony Can Boost Your Home Buying Power If you pay alimony and thought it would hurt your ability to buy a home, I’ve got good news for you. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have updated their conventional loan guidelines, and they now treat alimony as a reduction to income rather than a debt. This…

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Modern house with a 'Sold' sign in the front yard, symbolizing successful real estate transactions. In the background, a clipboard with appraisal documents and a magnifying glass emphasizes the importance of accurate property valuations and working with an experienced lender

New Fannie Mae Mortgage Value Rules: What Homebuyers and Refinancers Need to Know

By Scott Sheldon / September 3, 2024

As of October 31, 2024, Fannie Mae has introduced new requirements that will significantly impact how property values are assessed in conventional loans. Whether you’re looking to buy a home or refinance your current mortgage, these changes make it more critical than ever to work with an experienced lender. Here’s what you need to know.…

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Why the purchase price in a real estate transaction should not be the single most important factor

Lending guidelines just got easier for conventional traditional mortgages

By sonomacountym / September 26, 2017

If you’re in the market for a mortgage and you are paying alimony, the guidelines just got easier to allow you to get a mortgage. Here’s how the new guideline will benefit you if you’re paying alimony… Previously, most mortgage companies would take an alimony payment obligation and use this debt against your income. Last…

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