The Mortgage Files

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

fha rule mortgage loan

This FHA lender rule could be problematic for your mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / March 26, 2023

If you’re applying for a residential mortgage loan and you’re looking at an FHA loan to purchase or refinance a home this lender requirement could be problematic for you as it relates to qualifying… All FHA Mortgage Lenders in the United States use a system by Hud called FHA Connection.  Its database is used to…

Read More
Scott Sheldon's The Mortgage FIles Blog

FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums reduced by 30 basis points-what this means for consumers

By Scott Sheldon / March 5, 2023

For folks looking to purchase or refinance a home with the FHA Loan, the Federal Housing Administration has just announced a reduction to their private mortgage insurance premiums by 30 basis points. This is a step in the right direction to help drive home ownership. Here is what this means for your bottom line… Presently…

Read More
What’s the lowest credit score to get a home loan?

What’s the lowest credit score to get a home loan?

By Scott Sheldon / February 23, 2023

There is a significant amount of inaccurate information online and in the real estate community about the credit score needed to get a home loan to purchase or refinance a home. Talk to one company they’ll tell you XYZ, talk to another company they’ll tell you something else entirely, talk to another company, and you…

Read More
Why not all first time homebuyer programs are created equal

Why not all first time homebuyer programs are created equal

By Scott Sheldon / April 10, 2022

If you are just starting in life and trying to get your footprint in the real estate climate; the information in this post is for you. Everyone must start somewhere and buy that first home. That first home is always the big one it is by far the hardest and most emotional. It can also…

Read More
How your credit cards shape your ability to get a mortgage

How your credit cards shape your ability to get a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / February 6, 2022

Maintaining a personal budget and having a good financial plan associated with your income is a good 1st step in preparing yourself to get mortgage loan financing. Whether you are buying a home or refinancing, consumer debts matter. It can make or break your situation. Here are some things you might want to give some…

Read More
3 creative ways to come up with a down payment

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…

Read More
How to purchase a house with a partial down payment

How to purchase a house with a partial down payment

By Scott Sheldon / December 12, 2021

How do you buy a house with not quite enough money? Contrary to popular belief you can buy a house even if you don’t have enough money to do it. It’s a little technical but it’s going to require you, your realtor, and your lender to put your heads together. Here’s how it can be…

Read More
2022 conventional, FHA, VA, loan limits now rise

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…

Read More