The Mortgage Files

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

can you get a usda loan anymore

Can you get a USDA loan anymore?

By Scott Sheldon / April 13, 2016

One mortgage loan program popular in the last few years is the USDA loan. The program allows for you to buy a home with no money down and low monthly mortgage insurance. Here’s what you need to know if you’re interested in this type of financing. What the program entails The US Department of Agriculture…

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how to get an fha mortgage on condo

Buy a condo or a single family home?

By Scott Sheldon / April 8, 2016

When the time homes to buy your first home, you will have options galore. Here’s how to decide if you should purchase a single-family home or a more affordable condominium unit. Undoubtedly, buying a home is without doubt the largest financial decision you’ll probably make in your lifetime. It is critical to make sure the…

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savings for down payment money

3 spots your down payment monies should not be

By Scott Sheldon / March 18, 2016

Buying home is probably the largest financial transaction you will ever do life. Where you store your down payment funds can mean difference between a smooth or dicey process… Buying a home does require a down payment of at least 3.5%. While there are programs which require no money down, most have more restrictive income…

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These forms of income can help you land a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / March 12, 2016

In today’s world of mortgage lending showing enough income is paramount to qualifying. Here are some alternative income forms that can be used for a mortgage qualifying… Mortgage banks look for income to offset debt. If you’re monthly debt payments exceed your income you may have a tough time qualifying for a mortgage. Underwriting which…

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should you pay off high interest debt when getting a mortgage

Should you pay off high interest debt first when getting a mortgage?

By Scott Sheldon / January 22, 2016

How you plan and budget your finances can have a big affect on whether or not you can qualify for a home loan. Following is what you should know if you’re trying to spruce up your financial picture for a mortgage… Not all debt is created equal. For sound financial planning purposes eliminating the expenses…

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can you get a mortgage for a manufacturd or modular home?

Can You Get Mortgage Financing For Manufactured Or Modular Homes? You May Be Surprised…

By Scott Sheldon / December 27, 2015

Trying to get a loan for a mobile home? You may be surprised learn there is financing options available for non-single-family residence homes. What to know… Your property type holds all the cards in whether or not you’ll be able to obtain competitive loan terms. For starters, you need to own the land. If you…

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fannie mae debt to income ratio change

Can You Borrow A Down Payment To Buy A Home ?

By Scott Sheldon / December 7, 2015

Planning to buy a home sometime soon? If you’re working on the down payment, know what you can and cannot do with your bank. Here are the top 4 ways to borrow the cash needed for a home… 401k/Retirements or Liquid Assets- this option remains a viable source to procure down payment funds to buy…

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How The 2016 Loan Limit Increases Will Benefit You

By Scott Sheldon / November 30, 2015

On November 25, 2015, the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced the 2016 new loan limits. Most notably, four counties in California have increased as well as various others throughout the country. Here’s what you need to know regarding the changes… Know Your Loan Category When you apply for a mortgage to buy a home or…

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