The Mortgage Files

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

Why Timing the Housing Market Doesn’t Work (And What Actually Does)

By Scott Sheldon / April 9, 2026

Let’s start with a simple idea: trying to perfectly time the housing market is not a winning strategy. It sounds good in theory. Wait for rates to drop. Wait for prices to fall. Wait for the “right moment.” But here’s the reality—no one consistently gets that timing right. Not individual buyers. Not seasoned investors. Not…

Why Housing Inventory Still Feels Tight—And What Interest Rates Have to Do With It

By Scott Sheldon / March 25, 2026

Let’s start with a simple but powerful scenario. A homeowner locked in a mortgage at 2.75% during the pandemic. Fast forward to today, and that same homeowner is now looking at interest rates closer to 6.5% on a 30-year fixed. Even if their life has changed—maybe they’ve grown their family or simply need more space—the…

On Hold or Just Unsure? Why You Wanted to Buy in the First Place

By Scott Sheldon / March 12, 2026

Every so often, someone gets pre-approved, looks at homes, runs numbers… and then says, “We’re going to press pause.” That’s okay. But before going on hold, there’s an important question worth asking: What made you want to buy a home in the first place? Because most people don’t wake up randomly and decide to take…

Three Financial Reasons to Own a Home (That Your Lender Should Know)

By Scott Sheldon / February 12, 2026

Buying a home isn’t just about having a place to call your own—it’s also one of the smartest long-term financial decisions you can make. Sure, you’ve probably heard that before, but let’s break it down in plain terms. If your lender can’t clearly explain the core financial advantages of owning a home—appreciation, tax deductions, and…

Timing the Market: How to Know When It’s the Right Time to Buy a Home

By Scott Sheldon / December 12, 2025

Everyone dreams of buying a home at just the right moment—when prices are low, rates are perfect, and the competition has cooled off. The reality? Perfect timing in real estate is nearly impossible. What you can do is focus on the practical factors that tell you when it’s the right time for you to buy,…

House-Rich, Cash-Poor: How to Protect Your Cash Flow Without Sacrificing Equity

By Scott Sheldon / December 4, 2025

Owning a valuable home feels great—until your checking account says otherwise. Many homeowners are house-rich and cash-poor: sitting on significant home equity but struggling with day-to-day expenses. On paper, they look financially strong. In practice, they’re stretched thin. The key to long-term stability is finding balance—protecting equity while keeping your cash flow flexible and healthy.…

Why Buying a Home Without Your Significant Other Might Hurt More Than It Helps

By Scott Sheldon / July 24, 2025

If you’re a homebuyer—or a first-time homebuyer—making strong income and thinking about purchasing a home on your own without your significant other on the loan, I want to offer some perspective before you pull the trigger. It’s a common thought process:“I’ll buy the home in just my name, and that way my partner can still…