The Mortgage Files

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

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…

Axing The Car Lease May Help Your Home Buying Efforts

By Scott Sheldon / December 31, 2015

Obtaining financing to buy a home is undoubtedly a process of documenting, explaining and documenting some more.  Here is how a car lease can be a hurdle for home buying plan. Work-around options… What You Pay Counts When you apply for a mortgage loan, a mortgage broker is going tally up total payments you make…

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…

Refinancing: 4 Practical Money Saving Ways To Combine A First & Second Mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / December 22, 2015

Do you want to combine your first and second mortgage into one? Here’s 4 smart some money savings tips to be aware of when you submit a loan application. When you apply to refinance your home with the intent of financing more money beyond the balance of your first mortgage, your total loan amount could…

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…

Here Is The Biggest Obstacle First-Time Home Buyers Face And Its Not Credit Score

By Scott Sheldon / September 4, 2015

It is no secret the cost of housing is expensive. Rising rents, and a strong real estate market, make it harder for first-time buyers to get a piece of the American dream.  Buying a home means getting yourself credit worthy in these four areas: Credit Debt Income Assets If you do not know where you…

How To Save When Refinancing A Mortgage Bigger Than 417k

By Scott Sheldon / June 12, 2015

If recent mortgage rate movement has spooked you into refinancing, you’ll want make sure to pay particularly close attention if your loan size is bigger than $417,000. Jumbo investors in the marketplace are offering lucrative rates and deals. Which Investor Plays a Role It does not matter where you apply for a mortgage. Whether you…

Why Applying For A Mortgage Does Not Automatically Tank Your Credit Score

By Scott Sheldon / March 8, 2015

There is a fair amount of misconception that applying for a mortgage causes your credit score to drop each time. Not the case. The sole act of having your credit report in conjunction with submitting a loan application to a mortgage company does not automatically constitute a reduction in your credit score. Here’s the skinny……