The Mortgage Files

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

How to turn a pre-approved buyer into a cash buyer

By Scott Sheldon / May 9, 2022

As the real estate market continues to become increasingly competitive, you might find yourself making offers on homes above the asking price. Possibly even waiving contingencies on the advice of your real estate professional, and still finding that you’re losing to competition on the house. This is something occurring nationally right now as most markets…

Position your pre-approval against rising rates

By Scott Sheldon / March 27, 2022

The inflationary environment that we are in, coupled with the supply chain, and rising prices of food and energy, all have contributed to higher costs for about every economic resource. Interest rates are no exception. Interest rates are up one day down the next based on worldly and historic events. If you’re pre-approved for a…

Does the Federal Reserve make mortgage rates go up or down?

By Scott Sheldon / March 20, 2022

It’s no secret unless you’ve been living under a rock, that the Federal Reserve almost for certain is going to raise interest rates in March of 2022. The question then becomes if the Fed raises rates, what happens with mortgage rates? Well, the answer just might surprise you. Most people think when the Federal Reserve…

Should you refinance during rising rates?

By Scott Sheldon / March 14, 2022

If you’re thinking about refinancing your house and you’ve been on the fence; now would be a good time to start that application. Interest rates are all relative so it’s important to understand the total picture when deciding whether you should refinance your property.   It’s no surprise that the federal reserve more than likely…

Will co-signing on someone else’s mortgage hurt my mortgage chances?

By Scott Sheldon / January 23, 2022

One of the most misunderstood things in the areas of mortgage finance is cosigning. What it means, what it does for the loan, and what it does to your financial future. It’s a bit murky what the reality is versus what you may hear or read. If you are thinking about cosigning, or you’ve been…

You can now cash out refinance 100% known to value with VA financing

By Scott Sheldon / January 16, 2022

For borrowers who are military veterans, the change to VA loans that recently have taken place can be immensely beneficial. If you have a VA mortgage on your house, and if you’re interested in using VA financing to accomplish your goals as it pertains to refinancing. Please read on… The Department of veteran affairs recently…

Are you Self employed having a tough time getting a mortgage?

By Scott Sheldon / January 1, 2022

Are you self-employed in having a tough time getting a mortgage? Here’s what you need to know… When it comes to being self-employed one of the biggest challenges that you’re going to have as an entrepreneur is reporting income. The more income you show the more taxes you pay the less you have for savings…

How changing your preapproved amount may affect your home buying chances

By Scott Sheldon / December 26, 2021

So, you’re looking to purchase a house, you’re preapproved, and you’re on the home search. You and your realtor are going out on nights and weekends looking at homes and deciding if the house is the right fit for you and your family. Here’s some following information you should be aware of as it relates…