The Mortgage Files
Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.
Why Income Drives Buying Power More Than Credit or Cash
By Scott Sheldon
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July 8, 2025
When it comes to buying a home, most people focus on credit scores and down payments. Those two things matter—but if you ask any experienced loan officer what really determines how much home you can afford, the answer is simple: income. Income is the engine behind your buying power. It determines how much a lender…
Read MoreHow Alimony Can Boost Your Mortgage Buying Power
By Scott Sheldon
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February 12, 2025
How Alimony Can Boost Your Home Buying Power If you pay alimony and thought it would hurt your ability to buy a home, I’ve got good news for you. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have updated their conventional loan guidelines, and they now treat alimony as a reduction to income rather than a debt. This…
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