The Mortgage Files

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

FHA vs. Conventional Loans—Which Costs Less in the Long Run?

FHA Loan Update: Easier Process for Family Gift Funds

By Scott Sheldon / May 23, 2024

If you’ve been thinking about buying a home with an FHA loan, there’s some exciting news that could make the process smoother, especially if you’re relying on family for financial help. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) just announced a significant change to its guidelines that could make it much easier for homebuyers… What Changed? Since…

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How to use your FHA mortgage to sell your home for more

How to use your FHA mortgage to sell your home for more

By Scott Sheldon / February 11, 2024

If you have an FHA mortgage on your home and are planning to sell, you can take advantage of the fact that the loan is assumable. This means that the buyer of your property can take over your existing loan, which can help you get a higher price for your home… Here’s how it works:…

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Here's a strategy to buy a home and set up a future refinance

Here’s a strategy to buy a home and set up a future refinance

By Scott Sheldon / December 3, 2023

For families looking to purchase a home, good news has arrived interest rates are slowly starting to descend. As time goes on purchasing power for family’s home searching will rise. So, the benefit of this is a lower monthly payment, potentially qualifying for a larger priced home by market forces. Here are some things to…

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why being a picky home buyer could be an issue

Why being choosy as home buyer could be problematic

By Scott Sheldon / October 29, 2023

You’ve decided to buy a home, you’ve gotten preapproved with a lender, your file has even been pre-underwritten. Here are some things you might want to give some consideration to- what you want versus what the market might support… Here’s to considerations to think about.. Consideration one- Let’s say you’re pre-approved to $700,000, the house…

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

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

By Scott Sheldon / October 1, 2023

For families were looking to buy a home one of the biggest setbacks people have been their credit score. The better the credit score the more likelihood you can get a loan. Everyone knows this, however, if your credit score needs a little bit of love, believe it or not there’s a mortgage loan programs…

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Mortgage loan programs for unconventional scenarios

Mortgage loan programs for unconventional scenarios

By Scott Sheldon / September 10, 2023

If you’re trying to get a home loan to purchase a home, but you’re self-employed, and have some unique sources of income, or don’t show income on tax returns. there are still programs out there.  The following are some examples of non-traditional options that might help you as it relates to successfully getting a mortgage…

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Should you cash out refinance or take out a home equity line of credit?

Should you cash out refinance or take out a home equity line of credit?

By Scott Sheldon / August 6, 2023

So you have a situation in which you need to access cash. You have a first mortgage at 3%, lots of equity in your home and you want to cash out refinance in order to do a new improvement. What’s the best way to access that money?.. The reality of it is you pretty much…

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How to set realistic expectation for yourself when deciding to buy a home

How to set realistic expectation for yourself when deciding to buy a home

By Scott Sheldon / July 30, 2023

If you’re looking to purchase a house you need to be all in. That means you need to surrender to the expectations your realtor and lender have laid out for you so you can be successful. If you’re thinking about buying a house here are some things to consider… Your realtor and your lender are…

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