The Mortgage Files

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

lowest credit score to get a mortgage

Here is the lowest credit score you need to get a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / May 5, 2017

Contrary to what you may hear or read, your credit does not have to be stellar to get a mortgage. Most banks and lenders require at least a 640 credit score. However, not all lenders are created equally. Here is what you need to know if you are trying to get a mortgage with bad…

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Mortgage Word Cloud Art

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…

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expecation every home buyer should have

Expectations home buyers should have in today’s mortgage environment

By Scott Sheldon / April 7, 2017

Getting a mortgage is every bit as arduous as you might think. The paperwork can be technical and complex. Here is what you should expect if you plan to buy a home in 2017 or beyond. The reality is that the mortgage industry screwed up America, and the better part of the world, and paved…

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5 things that will kill your home purchase

5 things to avoid after you sign a purchase contract to buy a home

By Scott Sheldon / December 13, 2016

Shockingly enough people still do the things that can cause themselves heart ache when buying a home. Here’s what you need to know plan on buying a home… Your ability to buy a home rests on the numbers and documentation your mortgage lender has. If there is a change in any of these things, your…

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why your mortgage goals why not happen

Getting a mortgage is still not an easy process

By Scott Sheldon / August 25, 2016

Well it might appear as though getting a mortgage is easier than it was a few years ago, the process is still dicey.  It is no secret in the industry the majority of loans do not close on time. Here’s what you need to know if you’re going to be getting a mortgage in the…

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Minimum credit scores changing on mortgage programs to do to Coronavirus

What to know about low score mortgages

By Scott Sheldon / July 26, 2016

Credit scores play a vital role in your ability to get a home mortgage. Here’s what you need to know if you are applying with a low credit score… First things first credit scores are used to predict the likelihood of a payment default in the next 60 days. A lower credit score will result…

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buying a home at the top of the market

How to buy a home and finance the repairs at the same time

By Scott Sheldon / May 5, 2016

You’re preapproved; suddenly a home matching your criteria pops up on the market. Then it hits you, the house needs a ton of work. Here are things to consider when the house you’re trying to buy house needs tender loving care… The reality is resale homes may need work including everything from a new roof,…

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The Recent Mortgage Guideline Changes That Could Save Your Loan

The Recent Mortgage Guideline Changes That Could Save Your Loan

By Scott Sheldon / August 22, 2015

The challenges consumers have faced in recent years in procuring a mortgage may be coming to an end. Here are four major changes making your mortgage easier… Landlord History-until recently, in order to qualify for conventional loan financing you needed to show a history of being a landlord for the most recent last 24 months.…

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