The Mortgage Files

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

How to Qualify for the Arrive Home Earned Equity Program in 2026

By Scott Sheldon / August 7, 2026

Buying a home can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re worried about your credit score, down payment, or whether you’ll qualify for a mortgage. The good news is there are programs designed to help buyers who may not fit into traditional lending guidelines. One of those options is the Arrive Home Earned Equity Program (EEP). The…

New USDA Income Deduction Changes Could Help More Families Qualify for Homeownership

By Scott Sheldon / August 5, 2026

New USDA Income Deduction Changes Could Help More Families Qualify for Homeownership If you’ve been thinking about buying a home with a USDA loan, there’s a small but meaningful update that could make a difference for some families. Effective July 13, 2026, the USDA increased two of the annual income deductions used to determine eligibility…

Manufactured Homes: Why the June 15, 1976 Build Date Matters More Than You Think

By Scott Sheldon / May 20, 2026

If you are thinking about buying a manufactured home, one of the most important details to understand is the year the home was built. That single factor can dramatically affect your financing options, interest rate, resale value, and even how easy it may be to sell the property later. Many buyers see an older manufactured…

Why Timing the Housing Market Doesn’t Work (And What Actually Does)

By Scott Sheldon / April 9, 2026

Let’s start with a simple idea: trying to perfectly time the housing market is not a winning strategy. It sounds good in theory. Wait for rates to drop. Wait for prices to fall. Wait for the “right moment.” But here’s the reality—no one consistently gets that timing right. Not individual buyers. Not seasoned investors. Not…

The Only Two Real Obstacles in the Loan Process: Credit/Income and Appraisal

By Scott Sheldon / January 28, 2026

For many homebuyers, getting a mortgage can feel like navigating a maze of paperwork and requirements. But when you boil it down, there are really only two key hurdles that can stop a loan from closing: the borrower’s credit and income, and the property’s appraisal. Understanding these two critical areas will help you focus on…

FHA Loan Limits 2026 Explained: Changes from 2025 and Market Impact

By Scott Sheldon / December 22, 2025

Every year, HUD reviews home price data across the country and adjusts FHA loan limits to reflect what’s happening in the real housing market. These limits matter because they determine how much a buyer can borrow using an FHA loan before needing to move into conventional or jumbo financing. For 2026, HUD made updates that…

Why Buying a Home Without Your Significant Other Might Hurt More Than It Helps

By Scott Sheldon / July 24, 2025

If you’re a homebuyer—or a first-time homebuyer—making strong income and thinking about purchasing a home on your own without your significant other on the loan, I want to offer some perspective before you pull the trigger. It’s a common thought process:“I’ll buy the home in just my name, and that way my partner can still…

Should I Switch from FHA to Conventional? What You Need to Know

By Scott Sheldon / February 19, 2025

’ve done everything right. You sent your documents to the lender, got preapproved, and now you’re actively house hunting. Maybe it’s been a few weeks since you got your initial FHA preapproval. You’ve seen some homes, made a few offers, but nothing has gone into contract yet. Then, you hear the question: Should I switch…