The Mortgage Files

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

How to spot a ridiculous mortgage offer

By sonomacountym / October 17, 2017

You’ve seen them on the internet and in your mail box, the too good to be true mortgage offer. Here is the truth with regards to mortgage offers that seem too attractive… Mortgage lenders are required to disclose interest rate and APR. Most typically have the fine print at the bottom of the offer in…

How to decide when it’s time to get a cosigner

By Scott Sheldon / September 13, 2017

How to decide when it’s time to get a cosigner for your mortgage Securing mortgage financing with a unique scenario can be a challenging endeavor. If your income is not enough or your monthly expenses gobble up most your income a cosigner may be in order. Here is how to determine when you really need…

The truth about how credit scores relate to mortgages

By Scott Sheldon / August 29, 2017

Credit scores are incredibly important when secure a mortgage financing. They are however only one leg of a four-leg table. Here’s what to remember about credit scores and home loans. *Credit scores for jumbo mortgages need to be at least 680 or more *Credit scores can be as low as 620 for a conforming loan…

Tax return losses may hurt your mortgage chances

By Scott Sheldon / May 23, 2017

Qualifying for a mortgage involves: an acceptable credit score, sufficient assets and stable income. These are to show you can support a mortgage payment, plus other liabilities. You must have a balance of all three to successfully qualify for financing. The following is what you must know when trying to qualify with “paper losses” on…

How to remove private mortgage insurance

By Scott Sheldon / May 16, 2017

There is too much information circling around the internet, about how to remove mortgage insurance from your monthly mortgage payment. Unfortunately, it is not as simple as having 20% home equity either. Here is what you need to know about removing this dreaded housing cost. Is the loan insured by FHA or is the loan…

How to get a down payment to buy a home

By Scott Sheldon / February 2, 2017

In order to buy a home, you need to have a balance of good credit, manageable debt, stable income and sufficient savings. Maintaining a balance between these four categories is challenging enough on its own, never mind coming up with enough cash to close on your potential new home. The amount of money you have…

The factors that determine your loan fees

By Scott Sheldon / January 5, 2017

Costs to secure your financing are a big factor when it comes time to getting a mortgage. Knowing why your loan costs (X) dollars is critical in being able to better understand how lenders price loans in the marketplace. This is what you need to know… All loans have fees. All fees are paid for by…

Which option makes the most sense for cash out refinancing?

By Scott Sheldon / November 25, 2016

If you have the need to borrow money, but you don’t want to tap your assets cash out refinancing your home could be a good move. Here’s what to consider when determining what option for cash out refinance your home makes the most financial sense… Generally, when expense such as needing a new roof, or…