The Mortgage Files
Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.
The 2017 Mortgage Rate Environment
The mortgage industry has gone through some changes in the last three months. If you are looking to finance a home in 2017, it is important that you know what the opportunities are and how to capitalize on them. Over the next 12 months, keep these items in mind as you consider your financing arrangements:…
Read MoreShould you really buy that home?
Buying a home is no easy feat. There’s a lot of paperwork and you need to be on top of your to secure the big ticket purchase. How do determine if you should pull the trigger or wait… Banks will let you take on a mortgage payment at no bigger than 45% of your monthly…
Read MoreWhy using your income for a down payment may not fly
Working on your down payment money to buy a home? Here’s something you need to know…your paycheck can work against your down payment savings plan. Buying a home requires precision planning, good income, good credit, manageable liabilities and a healthy down payment. As much as 3.5% of the purchase price can be a big factor…
Read MoreShould you go FHA or Conventional?
FHA loans and conventional loans remain the most popular financing type for today’s mortgage borrowers. Here’s how to determine which program makes the most financial sense for you… FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration. The program contains two forms of mortgage insurance; an upfront mortgage insurance premium calculated at 1.75% of the…
Read MoreWaiting for rates to drop on a new mortgage?
It’s no secret interest rates are the main driver of the nation’s loan volume. Fixed rate mortgages are currently sub 4%. Here is why waiting for a better rate could be risky could move… The markets will continue to move The pricing associated with interest rates moves daily, in some cases multiple times per day.…
Read MoreGetting a mortgage is still not an easy process
Well it might appear as though getting a mortgage is easier than it was a few years ago, the process is still dicey. It is no secret in the industry the majority of loans do not close on time. Here’s what you need to know if you’re going to be getting a mortgage in the…
Read More3 things you will not like about today’s mortgage process
These things about today’s mortgage loan process will drive you crazy. Know what lenders will want…. Patriot Act This says lenders do not make loans to drug dealers, money launderers or terrorists. Obviously, 99.9% of today’s mortgage loan borrowers are completely on the up and up. However, this does not change the fact mortgage lenders…
Read MoreWhat your loan amount covers when refinancing
Refinancing can shave years off your loan and help you pay off your home faster. Here’s what to consider when refinancing… When you refinance your home your loan amount can be whatever you choose it to be. It can be a lower than what you currently owe on your home which would require bringing in…
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