The Mortgage Files

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

THE REALITY OF DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE

Is down payment assistance worth it to a buy a home?

By Scott Sheldon / June 6, 2016

If you’re looking to buy a house with little or no cash your options may be limited. Here is what you need to know to get your foot in the door, successfully… Down payment assistance programs Down payment assistance can be sponsored by a local state or government entity or entity grant. Essentially, down payment…

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you do not need tax returns to get a mortgage

Yes you don’t need tax returns to get a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / May 16, 2016

If you were planning to buy a home or refinance one you already own, expect a lot of paperwork. Here’s one thing you probably didn’t know – tax returns are not required all the time. Are you self-employed or W-2? If you are a W-2 wage earner there is lower likelihood for needing to provide…

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buying a home at the top of the market

How to buy a home and finance the repairs at the same time

By Scott Sheldon / May 5, 2016

You’re preapproved; suddenly a home matching your criteria pops up on the market. Then it hits you, the house needs a ton of work. Here are things to consider when the house you’re trying to buy house needs tender loving care… The reality is resale homes may need work including everything from a new roof,…

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ideal mortgage loan scenario

New underwriting guidelines coming June 25 may change your mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / April 28, 2016

New changes coming to Fannie Mae’s automated underwriting system June 25 could change the way you get a mortgage. Here’s how… Fannie Mae has announced the way they look at credit is about to change for all loan applications dated June 25, 2016 or after. Lenders use Fannie Mae’s automated underwriting system (Desktop Underwriter) for…

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how to make your mortgage fit the box

Make your credit fit the mortgage box

By Scott Sheldon / March 6, 2016

If you have some credit challenges preventing you from getting mortgage with competitive rates and fees, read on. Here are some tips you can take to the bank… Know this: you need not have perfect credit to buy a home or get a mortgage. Your credit just needs to be sufficient; good, bad, ugly or…

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Scott Sheldon's The Mortgage FIles Blog

Should you buy a fixer house?

By Scott Sheldon / February 6, 2016

Is the house in fair condition a good bet? Here are some things to consider if the affordable home you’re eyeing needs some work. The first thing to consider when buying a home is location. Location, location location is the credence held by most real estate experts. The reality of the market; true fixer homes…

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should you pay off high interest debt when getting a mortgage

Should you pay off high interest debt first when getting a mortgage?

By Scott Sheldon / January 22, 2016

How you plan and budget your finances can have a big affect on whether or not you can qualify for a home loan. Following is what you should know if you’re trying to spruce up your financial picture for a mortgage… Not all debt is created equal. For sound financial planning purposes eliminating the expenses…

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fannie mae debt to income ratio change

Can You Borrow A Down Payment To Buy A Home ?

By Scott Sheldon / December 7, 2015

Planning to buy a home sometime soon? If you’re working on the down payment, know what you can and cannot do with your bank. Here are the top 4 ways to borrow the cash needed for a home… 401k/Retirements or Liquid Assets- this option remains a viable source to procure down payment funds to buy…

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