The Mortgage Files

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

can you buy a house with less than 600 credit score?

The truth about how credit scores relate to mortgages

By Scott Sheldon / August 29, 2017

Credit scores are incredibly important when secure a mortgage financing. They are however only one leg of a four-leg table. Here’s what to remember about credit scores and home loans. *Credit scores for jumbo mortgages need to be at least 680 or more *Credit scores can be as low as 620 for a conforming loan…

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when is the right time to buy a home

How to get a down payment to buy a home

By Scott Sheldon / February 2, 2017

In order to buy a home, you need to have a balance of good credit, manageable debt, stable income and sufficient savings. Maintaining a balance between these four categories is challenging enough on its own, never mind coming up with enough cash to close on your potential new home. The amount of money you have…

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2017 mortgage rate environment

The 2017 Mortgage Rate Environment

By Scott Sheldon / January 12, 2017

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:…

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mortgage for manufactured home

How to get a mortgage for a manufactured home without mortgage insurance

By Scott Sheldon / December 23, 2016

If you own a manufactured home, or if you are looking to purchase one, here is what you need to know when it comes to mortgage loan financing: Manufactured homes are not the same thing as modular homes. Manufactured homes are constructed, purchased at a dealer, and then moved to their final destination where they…

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Which option makes the most sense for cash out refinancing?

Which option makes the most sense for cash out refinancing?

By Scott Sheldon / November 25, 2016

If you have the need to borrow money, but you don’t want to tap your assets cash out refinancing your home could be a good move. Here’s what to consider when determining what option for cash out refinance your home makes the most financial sense… Generally, when expense such as needing a new roof, or…

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ideal mortgage loan scenario

The ideal mortgage candidate

By Scott Sheldon / November 7, 2016

When it comes time to purchase or refinance a home lenders are look for a certain financial profile. Your financial profile should have these things… There is four things lenders look at when deciding whether not to grant you financing and having a balance of each will score you better terms and an easier process.…

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what to know when getting a va mortgage

Should you really buy that home?

By Scott Sheldon / October 12, 2016

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…

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income for assets can hurt your home buying efforts

Why using your income for a down payment may not fly

By Scott Sheldon / October 5, 2016

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…

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