The Mortgage Files

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

Illustration of a homebuyer comparing a 30-year, 40-year, and 50-year mortgage term, showing payment differences and long-term interest costs.

Why Waiting to Refinance Could Cost You Thousands

By Scott Sheldon / January 6, 2026

Most homeowners want the lowest interest rate possible when refinancing—and that makes sense. Everyone loves the idea of shaving off an extra quarter percent or landing the perfect rate before pulling the trigger. But here’s the truth most people overlook: every month you wait, you’re giving up real dollars that could have stayed in your…

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Cartoon-style illustration of a couple standing in front of a yellow house with a large clock behind them and a “For Sale” sign, symbolizing the timing of buying a home in the real estate market.

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,…

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