The Mortgage Files

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

Unlocking Dreams: A Festive Dip in Interest Rates

Building or Buying a Home with Little or No Down Payment: What to Consider

By Scott Sheldon / January 7, 2024

Title: Building or Buying a Home with Little or No Down Payment: What to Consider Are you dreaming of owning a home, but have little or no cash for a down payment? If you’re in this situation, you might be wondering whether building or buying a home is the right option for you. Both scenarios…

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How buying a condo may carry the same mortgage payment as a single family home

How buying a condo may carry the same mortgage payment as a single family home

By Scott Sheldon / December 30, 2023

If you’re debating between purchasing a condominium unit versus a single-family home, there are several factors to consider. You’ll want to evaluate the monthly mortgage payment, market conditions, and whether you can handle the mortgage payment affordably. Typically, condominium units are less expensive than single-family homes, sometimes by as much as $100,000 or more. However,…

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New Fannie Mae rule for using social security income to get a mortgage

New Fannie Mae rule for using social security income to get a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / December 27, 2023

Are you or someone you know planning to purchase or refinance a home using Social Security income? If so, there’s some good news! Fannie Mae has recently announced new guidelines that will make it easier for families with Social Security income to qualify for a mortgage loan… Under the new guidelines, mortgage lenders can now…

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5 practical ways to increase your purchasing power when buying a home

What happens with real estate prices when interest rates ultimately fall?

By Scott Sheldon / November 19, 2023

It’s no surprise that interest rates drive the housing market. If more people can buy a home, more demand is created and more demand drives housing prices up, which subsequently results in gaining home equity. Following are the dynamics that transpire in the market when interest rates come down… Homeowners stand to gain more equity…

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how to time when to buy a home

How time to the market to buy a home

By Scott Sheldon / November 5, 2023

Everyone looking to buy a house is looking to get a “deal” to some degree. The home has to fit within the monthly budget in support of a sound financial decision. Part of this process is identifying marketing time so you can buy a home successfully… The great investor warren, Buffett has been quoted of…

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why being a picky home buyer could be an issue

Why being choosy as home buyer could be problematic

By Scott Sheldon / October 29, 2023

You’ve decided to buy a home, you’ve gotten preapproved with a lender, your file has even been pre-underwritten. Here are some things you might want to give some consideration to- what you want versus what the market might support… Here’s to considerations to think about.. Consideration one- Let’s say you’re pre-approved to $700,000, the house…

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How your financial experience might hinder your ability to get a mortgage loa

How your financial experience might hinder your ability to get a mortgage loan

By Scott Sheldon / October 23, 2023

Getting a loan to buy a home is a maze of questions, examinations, along with an array of emotions. Here are some things to consider that might hinder your ability to get a mortgage loan… You have a strong financial situation. Let’s say you’ve got strong income and or revenue within your business, excellent credit, cash…

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Does the house you want to buy need work?

Does the house you want to buy need work?

By Scott Sheldon / October 15, 2023

As you get preapproved and embark on your homebuying journey, you will soon discover an array of different homes. Some homes are in good condition, some in excellent condition and others perhaps in poor condition. Here are some things to consider as it relates to whether the house truly needs work when deciding to make…

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