The Mortgage Files
Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.
Why “Cheaper” Isn’t Always Better: The Real Story Behind Mortgage Pricing and Underwriting
Let’s get real for a second: mortgage pricing isn’t as wide open as most people think. Sure, it’s tempting to chase the lowest rate you see online or the lender who claims to save you $50 a month, but here’s the deal most borrowers never hear — mortgage lenders, for the most part, are all…
Read MorePro Tips for VA Loans: What Most Lenders Don’t Know
If you’re a military veteran looking to purchase or refinance a home using a VA loan, there are several lesser-known benefits and rules that can make the process easier. Many mortgage lenders are unaware of these details, so it’s essential to educate yourself to maximize the advantages of your VA loan. Here are some key…
Read MoreHow Alimony Can Boost Your Mortgage Buying Power
How Alimony Can Boost Your Home Buying Power If you pay alimony and thought it would hurt your ability to buy a home, I’ve got good news for you. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have updated their conventional loan guidelines, and they now treat alimony as a reduction to income rather than a debt. This…
Read MoreWhy Mortgage Loans Can Feel Like a Hassle
One of the biggest complaints consumers have had in the last ten years about getting a residential home loan is the continual jumping through hoops and requests for documents and paperwork. For some, this can be quite inconvenient, borderline stressful, and can really test one’s patience, especially when dealing with something tedious, unfamiliar, and sometimes…
Read MoreWhy Your Lease is Not a Barrier to Homeownership
For many families considering buying a home, the belief that they cannot proceed because they are bound by a lease is a common misconception. Depending on your state, a lease is not necessarily a barrier to homeownership. If you’re renting and your rent payment is $3,000 a month with another six months left on your…
Read MoreWhy Waiting for the Perfect Mortgage Rate Might Cost You More Than You Think
Mortgage rates are constantly fluctuating, especially during periods of economic uncertainty or disruption, such as an upcoming election. As we approach the November elections, we can expect the markets to be more volatile, affecting both stocks and mortgage rates. Given these fluctuations, waiting for long-term interest rates to drop before refinancing may not be the…
Read MoreWhy the Media is Not Your Friend When It Comes to Mortgage Rates
When it comes to understanding mortgage rates, relying solely on media sources can be misleading. The best barometer for where mortgage rates truly stand is the actual source: FreddieMac.com. This is the entity that buys the loans made and sold by mortgage aggregators. When you see headlines claiming that interest rates are lower or have…
Read MoreVA Loans in Community Property States: How to Manage Spouse’s Credit and Debt in California
Navigating VA Loans in Community Property States: A Guide for Married Couples in Sonoma and Lake County, California Buying a home is a monumental step, and securing a VA loan can be a fantastic option for veterans looking to make that dream a reality. However, living in a community property state like California adds a…
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