The Mortgage Files

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

How to buy a home 2-1 and 3-2-1 Buydown Program

By Scott Sheldon / November 27, 2022

If you’re thinking about purchasing a home and you’re worried about the mortgage payment. Fear not, some, but not all mortgage companies might offer a buy-down program allowing you to get a below-market interest rate… It’s no surprise mortgage rates are presently on the higher side averaging 6.4 to 6.99 depending on your credit score,…

Is the mortgage rate or the purchase price you pay for a home more important?

By Scott Sheldon / November 13, 2022

If you’ve been thinking about purchasing a home and you’ve been on the fence because you’re just not sure about the right time, the information that’s going to follow is for you… Trying to time the market to identify a moment in time to pinpoint the right time to purchase a home is an incredibly…

Why are current mortgage rates so high?

By Scott Sheldon / November 6, 2022

People who are thinking about getting a mortgage to buy or refinance a home are having shell shock relating to the costs associated with doing a mortgage transaction. It’s not as simple as inflation to why mortgage rates are so high. Here’s some information that explains not only why mortgage rates are so high, but…

Does waiting for the right time to buy a home make economic sense?

By Scott Sheldon / October 9, 2022

If you’ve been thinking about whether you should purchase a home, you might want to think about applying with a lender. This helps to get a read on where you are financial picture. If you’ve been thinking about purchasing a home, but you’re just not quite sure yet here are some things to consider…  …

Should you take out an adjustable rate mortgage?

By Scott Sheldon / September 4, 2022

With interest rates as high as they are consumers want adjustable-rate mortgages for payment relief. If you’re thinking about an adjustable-rate mortgage versus a fixed-rate mortgage here are some things, you need to be aware of… The first few years of the mortgage loan are called a teaser rate.  A teaser rate is short-term and…

Why focusing on finding the right home is better solution than searching loan programs

By Scott Sheldon / August 14, 2022

Most families would agree they would prefer to buy a home vs renting a home. Buying a home is not for everyone and it does require a certain degree of financial aptitude and ability. Most people begin researching mortgage loans online. The Internet is a wonderful tool to get a feel for what you might…

how filing your tax returns might hurt your mortgage chances

By Scott Sheldon / June 26, 2022

If you’re looking to purchase or refinance a home, and you have not filed your 2021 tax return yet. And this goes for any year, here’s what you need to know as it relates to showing income.   Let’s say you’re self-employed or you’re a W2 employee and you have additional income sources. Such as…

Freddie Mac changes to accessory dwelling units

By Scott Sheldon / June 13, 2022

On June 3rd Freddie Mac announced changes to Freddie Mac conventional mortgages for single-family homes with granny units. These changes allow for expanded financing on Freddie Mac mortgages. So, if you’re looking for a mortgage that has a single-family residence with a granny unit this information might be for you. The following changes at Freddie…