The Mortgage Files
Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.
How hourly wages impact mortgage loan approvals
Are you dreaming of owning your own home but finding it challenging to secure a mortgage due to your hourly wage? You’re not alone. Many individuals face hurdles in obtaining residential mortgage loans, particularly those paid hourly with varying work hours. Let’s delve into why this can be a struggle and explore potential solutions. When…
Read More about How hourly wages impact mortgage loan approvalsWhy your income is the biggest driver of purchasing power
When it comes to purchasing a home, your monthly income is the most influential factor, surpassing even your credit score and available cash. Understanding how your income impacts your purchasing power is essential for aspiring homeowners. Let’s explore this concept with practical examples and actionable insights. Consider this scenario: You earn $100,000 annually, and based…
Read More about Why your income is the biggest driver of purchasing powerHow to avoid a contingent offer to buy a new home without selling your current home first
Buying a new home while still owning your current home can be a challenging process, especially in today’s market. When you want to purchase a new home without selling your current home first, you may be required to make a contingent offer. A contingent offer means that the purchase of your new home is dependent…
Read More about How to avoid a contingent offer to buy a new home without selling your current home firstHow to use your FHA mortgage to sell your home for more
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:…
Read More about How to use your FHA mortgage to sell your home for moreHere is a quick formula for determining how much income you need to buy a home
Buying a home is a big financial decision, and affordability is the number one factor to consider. To determine how much home you can afford based on your income, you can use a simple formula… First, take your annual income gross pre-tax and multiply it by five. For example, if your annual income is $100,000,…
Read More about Here is a quick formula for determining how much income you need to buy a homeBuilding or Buying a Home with Little or No Down Payment: What to Consider
Title: Building or Buying a Home with Little or No Down Payment: What to Consider Are you dreaming of owning a home, but have little or no cash for a down payment? If you’re in this situation, you might be wondering whether building or buying a home is the right option for you. Both scenarios…
Read More about Building or Buying a Home with Little or No Down Payment: What to ConsiderHow buying a condo may carry the same mortgage payment as a single family home
If you’re debating between purchasing a condominium unit versus a single-family home, there are several factors to consider. You’ll want to evaluate the monthly mortgage payment, market conditions, and whether you can handle the mortgage payment affordably. Typically, condominium units are less expensive than single-family homes, sometimes by as much as $100,000 or more. However,…
Read More about How buying a condo may carry the same mortgage payment as a single family homeNew Fannie Mae rule for using social security income to get a mortgage
Are you or someone you know planning to purchase or refinance a home using Social Security income? If so, there’s some good news! Fannie Mae has recently announced new guidelines that will make it easier for families with Social Security income to qualify for a mortgage loan… Under the new guidelines, mortgage lenders can now…
Read More about New Fannie Mae rule for using social security income to get a mortgage