The Mortgage Files

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

How to Buy a Home With a Financed Down Payment

By Scott Sheldon / September 10, 2026

A financed down payment program may help qualified buyers purchase with little or no down payment. Learn the payment tradeoffs and who it may fit.

How to Get an FHA Loan After a Six-Month Employment Gap

By Scott Sheldon / August 25, 2026

An FHA loan may still be possible after a lengthy job gap. Learn the six-month return-to-work rule, the two-year work history requirement, and how timing affects a purchase or refinance.

Manufactured Home Loans: What You Need to Know About Pre-1976 Homes

By Scott Sheldon / September 10, 2025

When it comes to financing a manufactured or mobile home, not all properties are treated equally. One of the first questions any lender is going to ask—whether it’s for FHA, VA, or conventional financing—is this: When was the home built? This single detail can dramatically shape your loan options, eligibility, and overall path forward. If…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…