The Mortgage Files

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

3 quirky issues that will hurt your mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / September 5, 2018

Getting a mortgage loan in 2018 is still a very bureaucratic and compliant process. People getting mortgages today are still paying for the sins of borrowers’ past. Here are some things to consider… You must be able to document and specifically show all forms of income period. While it is true some things can be…

How 1031 tax-deferred exchanges work

By Scott Sheldon / August 14, 2018

A 1031 tax-deferred exchange is a deferred exchange in the gain of an investment property used to acquire another investment property. Make no mistake this is a deferment where you’re kicking the can of the paying the property taxes obligation to some point in the future when you sell the property. Here is an example…

How to transfer property to family and still be protected under Prop 13

By Scott Sheldon / August 7, 2018

Proposition 13 was enacted in 1978 by voters to limit the amount of property-taxes the homeowner pays. Prop 13 protect your property taxes from increasing by more than 2% per year. It protects properties that rise in value. Following are the biggest concerns mortgage borrowers have when it comes time to keeping property taxes low……

5 credit mistakes to avoid when getting a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / July 10, 2018

You need to be on top of your game when getting a home loan. Your credit score is an integral part of being able to purchase a house or refinance a house. Here are some things to know when it comes to credit… The free credit score you get from Credit Karma or your bank…

These little lending nuances may help you land a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / June 26, 2018

Getting a mortgage in 2018 there is a bureaucratic and compliant process with a significant amount of paperwork involved. Following is some tips on various loan programs available in the marketplace you may not know… Conventional mortgages they will go up to a debt to income ratio of 50%. Here is the kicker if your…

6 people whose mortgage and housing advice ought to be taken with a grain of salt

By Scott Sheldon / June 20, 2018

6 people whose mortgage and housing advice ought to be taken with a grain of salt Buying a home or refinancing a mortgage is incredibly important financial decision that requires careful planning and good timing. Fact of the matter is everyone has their opinion about what you you should and should not do. Here is…

Watch out for these two sneaky mortgage practices

By Scott Sheldon / May 30, 2018

It’s no surprise the housing market has tight inventory and mortgage rates are on the rise. As the overall market continues to contract banks are coming up with innovative ways to elicit business. The following tricks are ethically questionable… The first trick banks use is associated with credit reporting. Mortgage companies must pull a copy…

The percentage down to purchase a rental property might less than you think

By Scott Sheldon / May 9, 2018

To purchase a rental property the consensus down payment needed 20%. However, the requirement to purchase a rental property is much lower than you think. Here’s what you need to know if you’re buying a rental property…. To purchase a property for rental income purposes 15% down is the requirement. If you’re purchasing a rental…