The Mortgage Files

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

What to know about refinancing with a second mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / December 2, 2020

Many people desiring to refinance are taking advantage of historically low-interest rates. One of the challenges when refinancing your house is when you have a second mortgage. Here is what you need to know if you’re trying to refinance and you have a second loan… If your desired to refinance and you have a first…

3 solid reasons why the best time to buy a home is towards the end of the year

By Scott Sheldon / December 12, 2019

One factor on every home buyer’s mind is whether they’re getting a deal. One of the best-kept secrets of in real estate buy at the end of the year if you can swing it. Every year the Federal Housing Finance Agency which oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac releases their annual loan limits. The loan…

Here is what to expect about today’s mortgage loan process

By Scott Sheldon / October 6, 2019

Mortgage loan financing is a little bit of a cryptic process to some people. Talk to your friend your neighbor your parent and everyone will have their story about what their individual loan process was some good, some bad and some in between. Here is the nature of mortgage lending and how the process works…

Mortgage rate too good to be true? It probably is…

By Scott Sheldon / August 18, 2019

So, you got a mortgage rate that sounds too good to be true but now you can’t close Mortgage rates are presently near their historic lows on 30-year fixed rate mortgage with the average 30-year fixed being between 3.375% and 4.125%. As such people are refinancing in droves taking advantage of the dip in rates.…

How the mortgage process could get ugly if you have a difficult picture

By Scott Sheldon / August 11, 2019

Residential Mortgages in America today are designed for families to fit a box. If your financial profile in anyway is outside of that box, you might experience what otherwise might be a very difficult and challenging process, so it’s important to know how the process works. Here’s what you ought to consider … Here’s how…

Why you may need to pay the piper with your self-employed income for a loan

By Scott Sheldon / February 12, 2019

Applying to purchase or refinance a mortgage is going to require you providing an ample supply of credit, cash and documentable income to support the loan that you are seeking. Contrary to popular belief a mortgage loan is not made against the property, but rather against your ability to repay. Here’s some things you need…

These two conventional mortgage loan programs will get you a better interest rate and terms

By Scott Sheldon / January 22, 2019

When you’re buying or refinancing a house it goes without saying you want to get a competitive interest rate with favorable terms associated with the money you are borrowing. Two programs that support your ability to do this are Fannie Mae Home Ready and Freddie Mac Home Possible. These two programs typically have about 1/4…

Why getting a 30 year fixed rate mortgage is a smart financial move

By Scott Sheldon / November 14, 2018

If you’re purchasing or refinancing a house the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was and is currently the staple of the broader mortgage market. The 30-year mortgage has its pros and cons and here is what you should know when looking at a 30-year mortgage, so you can decide what makes the most financial sense for you.…