The Mortgage Files

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

Side-by-side comparison of FHA and conventional loans with highlights of key differences, including PMI and down payments

FHA Loan vs. Conventional Loan: Which Is Best for Your Home Purchase?

By Scott Sheldon / December 18, 2024

Deciding between an FHA loan and a conventional loan for your home purchase is an important choice that depends on your financial situation and goals. Both loan options have distinct benefits and considerations, so let’s break down the key differences to help you make the best decision for your needs. A 5% down conventional loan…

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Scott Sheldon's The Mortgage FIles Blog

How To Buy A Home Without 20% Down And No Mortgage Insurance

By Scott Sheldon / November 23, 2014

The days of needing 20% down to buy a home are long gone. To compensate, lenders charge private mortgage insurance as means to offset risk, driving up would-be borrowers’ mortgage payments. Here’s how you can buy a home with less than 20% down and still avoid dreaded PMI… Quick PMI Nuts And Bolts Private mortgage…

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Scott Sheldon's The Mortgage FIles Blog

Single Pay Mortgage Insurance: A Secret Alternative To Avoiding Monthly PMI

By Scott Sheldon / July 14, 2013

For consumers purchasing or refinancing a home with less than 20% equity, little-known fee inflates the monthly outlay. Mortgage insurance is paid by the the homeowner for the benefit of the lender to ensure the lender against future payment default. Mortgage insurance, also dubbed as PMI (an acronym for private mortgage insurance), can be easily…

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Scott Sheldon's The Mortgage FIles Blog

Mortgage Insurance: Consumer Tips On PMI & Advoidance

By Scott Sheldon / February 3, 2013

Mortgage Insurance is like the plague to a monthly mortgage payment. It makes the cost of homeownership rise over time, only benefits one party… the lender. Mortgage insurance also known as private mortgage insurance (PMI)  is an intergal component of many popular loan programs today; FHA Mortgages, USDA Mortgages and yes even standard Conventional Mortgages.…

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