The Mortgage Files

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

how to time when to buy a home

How time to the market to buy a home

By Scott Sheldon / November 5, 2023

Everyone looking to buy a house is looking to get a “deal” to some degree. The home has to fit within the monthly budget in support of a sound financial decision. Part of this process is identifying marketing time so you can buy a home successfully… The great investor warren, Buffett has been quoted of…

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How your financial experience might hinder your ability to get a mortgage loa

How your financial experience might hinder your ability to get a mortgage loan

By Scott Sheldon / October 23, 2023

Getting a loan to buy a home is a maze of questions, examinations, along with an array of emotions. Here are some things to consider that might hinder your ability to get a mortgage loan… You have a strong financial situation. Let’s say you’ve got strong income and or revenue within your business, excellent credit, cash…

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Does the house you want to buy need work?

Does the house you want to buy need work?

By Scott Sheldon / October 15, 2023

As you get preapproved and embark on your homebuying journey, you will soon discover an array of different homes. Some homes are in good condition, some in excellent condition and others perhaps in poor condition. Here are some things to consider as it relates to whether the house truly needs work when deciding to make…

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Mortgage loan programs for unconventional scenarios

Mortgage loan programs for unconventional scenarios

By Scott Sheldon / September 10, 2023

If you’re trying to get a home loan to purchase a home, but you’re self-employed, and have some unique sources of income, or don’t show income on tax returns. there are still programs out there.  The following are some examples of non-traditional options that might help you as it relates to successfully getting a mortgage…

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Why rising interest rates can be good news for some homebuyers

Why rising interest rates can be good news for some homebuyers

By Scott Sheldon / August 20, 2023

Rising interest rates, for some homebuyers, can be beneficial. While it is true, rising interest rates do diminish purchasing power for the right situation, it actually could be beneficial. Here is what to know… Most people look at the big picture. They look at interest rates, the cost of funds and make a determination about…

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Should you cash out refinance or take out a home equity line of credit?

Should you cash out refinance or take out a home equity line of credit?

By Scott Sheldon / August 6, 2023

So you have a situation in which you need to access cash. You have a first mortgage at 3%, lots of equity in your home and you want to cash out refinance in order to do a new improvement. What’s the best way to access that money?.. The reality of it is you pretty much…

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How to set realistic expectation for yourself when deciding to buy a home

How to set realistic expectation for yourself when deciding to buy a home

By Scott Sheldon / July 30, 2023

If you’re looking to purchase a house you need to be all in. That means you need to surrender to the expectations your realtor and lender have laid out for you so you can be successful. If you’re thinking about buying a house here are some things to consider… Your realtor and your lender are…

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How different mortgage loan types impact how much money you can get for seller credits

How different mortgage loan types impact how much money you can get for seller credits

By Scott Sheldon / July 16, 2023

If you’re thinking about buying a home and you’re short on cash, here are a few things you might want to consider as it relates to downpayment and closing costs… There are two main mortgage types; government-backed loans, and government-insured loans. Government-backed loans are Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac while government-insured loans are FHA &…

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