The Mortgage Files

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

Why a car lease can harm your mortgage possibilities 

By Scott Sheldon / August 2, 2017

Unlike an auto loan, a lease is a short debt that contain a future pay off. Here is why a lease can hurt your chances of getting a mortgage… Lenders look at the minimum monthly obligations that you pay on your debts. They take those minimum payments and add those to a proposed total mortgage…

How to get a mortgage with a credit score under 620

By Scott Sheldon / July 22, 2017

Here is what most banks and mortgage companies will not tell you. If you have a bad credit score they don’t want your business. It’s the truth. Every financial institution wants borrowers with good credit, a healthy down payment, a stable job and low manageable debts. The reality is that most people don’t fit the…

When is the right time to buy a home?

By Scott Sheldon / July 8, 2017

The right time to purchase a home is different for every consumer. Following are some reason why you may want to pull the trigger sooner rather than later. In most areas throughout the country over the last 30 years anyone who has bought a home and held it for a 10 year cycle has done financially…

How Fannie Mae’s debt to income change may help you get a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / June 27, 2017

Fannie Mae recently announced changes to its debt-to-income ratio policy, increasing its allowance from 45% to 50% starting on July 29th. Here is what that’s going to mean for mortgage borrowers going forward… A debt-to-income ratio is the benchmark tool lenders use to determine a borrower’s ability to repay. Such things as minimum payments on car…

How to buy a home when you have one to sell first

By Scott Sheldon / May 30, 2017

Purchasing a home can be tricky if you have a home to sell first. For many, the opportunity to purchase a new home can only come from the sale of the home they currently own. Here are some tips to help navigate hurdles of buying a home when going in “contingent”. You want to purchase…

Why you cannot opt out of title insurance when getting a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / April 21, 2017

If you are like most consumers, you want to have a clear understanding of the fees associated with a mortgage. The closing process, lender fees, title fees, etc. This is so you know exactly how all the numbers add up. Here is something you need to know regarding getting title insurance when purchasing or refinancing…

The 2017 Mortgage Rate Environment

By Scott Sheldon / January 12, 2017

The mortgage industry has gone through some changes in the last three months. If you are looking to finance a home in 2017, it is important that you know what the opportunities are and how to capitalize on them. Over the next 12 months, keep these items in mind as you consider your financing arrangements:…

The factors that determine your loan fees

By Scott Sheldon / January 5, 2017

Costs to secure your financing are a big factor when it comes time to getting a mortgage. Knowing why your loan costs (X) dollars is critical in being able to better understand how lenders price loans in the marketplace. This is what you need to know… All loans have fees. All fees are paid for by…