The Mortgage Files

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

Lower Rates vs. High Prices – The Tradeoff You Can’t Ignore

By Scott Sheldon / February 12, 2026

Everyone loves the idea of lower mortgage rates—and for good reason. A lower rate means a lower monthly payment and more buying power. But here’s the part that often gets overlooked: when mortgage rates fall, home prices often rise. And sometimes, those rising prices can cancel out the benefit of a lower rate. This creates…

The Impact of Lower Interest Rates on Housing Inventory Challenges

By Scott Sheldon / March 10, 2025

The U.S. housing market has been grappling with a significant inventory shortage, with an estimated deficit of 3.7 million homes. This scarcity has intensified competition among buyers, leading to bidding wars and elevated home prices. In this context, a reduction in mortgage interest rates can have profound effects on the market dynamics, particularly concerning home…