The Mortgage Files

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

"Illustration of a human figure representing the Federal Reserve, holding large scissors and cutting a red percentage sign symbolizing an interest rate. Surrounding the figure are individuals representing homeowners, business people, and families reacting in various ways to the rate cut, with a city skyline in the background, featuring banks, homes, and businesses."

“Why Federal Reserve Rate Cuts Don’t Directly Lower Mortgage Rates”

By Scott Sheldon / September 30, 2024

Why Federal Reserve Rate Cuts Don’t Directly Lower Mortgage Rates When the Federal Reserve announces a cut in interest rates, many people immediately assume that mortgage rates will drop as well. Unfortunately, this is a common misconception. When the Fed adjusts its rates—specifically the Federal Funds Rate—it doesn’t directly impact long-term mortgage rates. Instead, these…

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2023 Confirming Loan Limit Rise

2023 Confirming Loan Limit Rise

By Scott Sheldon / September 25, 2022

The federal housing finance agency recently released its 2023 conforming loan limit. The new loan limit for 2023 is $715,000. Here is what this means if you’re purchasing or refinancing a home… Each year the Federal Housing Finance Agency which oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac releases its annual loan limit. The annual loan limit…

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Why you can expect your home equity line of credit to cost more

Why you can expect your home equity line of credit to cost more

By Scott Sheldon / July 24, 2022

Fed funds recently increased the rate by 75 basis points. This change to monetary policy also means your home equity line of credit costs more. The following is what you must know about a home equity line of credit… Home equity lines of credit are tied to the prime rate which is the Fed funds…

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how a recession could impact your home buying

What the Federal Reserve rate increase means

By Scott Sheldon / April 24, 2022

The Federal Reserve increased the Fed funds rate by 25 points to slow down the highest inflation seen in 30 years. As a result, here’s what this means for interest rates, credit cards, and home equity lines of credit.   In short, everything is going up. Mortgage rates are also higher but not because of…

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