The Mortgage Files

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

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…

Federal reserve hikes interest rates

By Scott Sheldon / January 30, 2022

Probably the biggest misnomer in mortgage finance is what consumers’ interest rates do when the Federal Reserve hikes interest rates up. The Federal Reserve is trying to control and stimulate the economy or slow down the economy based on economic conditions. What they do or don’t do, does influence mortgage rates. But it is not…

You can now cash out refinance 100% known to value with VA financing

By Scott Sheldon / January 16, 2022

For borrowers who are military veterans, the change to VA loans that recently have taken place can be immensely beneficial. If you have a VA mortgage on your house, and if you’re interested in using VA financing to accomplish your goals as it pertains to refinancing. Please read on… The Department of veteran affairs recently…

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…

2022 conventional, FHA, VA, loan limits now rise

By Scott Sheldon / December 6, 2021

If you’ve been on the sidelines for residential financing, or you’re thinking about doing a loan, and you’ve had some difficulty as it relates to borrowing money for home mortgage financing. The new loan limits for 2022 could help bridge the gap from where you are to where you’re going in support of your financial…

When it comes to mortgage financing the harder way is usually the way that will make your loan work

By Scott Sheldon / October 24, 2021

We are still in an environment that requires us to get support ability to repay. The harder approach, generally, is the approach that’s going to make the most sense between taking you from where you’re going and helping you accomplish your goal. If a new accomplisher goal of refinancing a house, or buying a new…

How to increase your investment rate of return using mortgage financing

By Scott Sheldon / September 26, 2021

If you’re looking to get a good return on your money, and you’re looking at bank accounts, you might want to consider paying down your mortgage balance. Before you do, here are some things you should consider… Most bank accounts generate paltry rates of return. Those returns are not getting you any interest on your…

Should you improve your credit or buy a house now?

By Scott Sheldon / August 29, 2021

One of the challenges to purchasing a home is your credit score. Everyone knows to obtain the best financing available you need to have good credit or even better great credit. But for everybody else, if you’re quiet is questionable or middle of the road this information is for you…   Traditionally, to get a…