The Mortgage Files

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

6 questions every lender will ask

By Scott Sheldon / November 14, 2016

Like it or not when you apply for a mortgage you’re going to go through financial scrutiny. How well your financial picture is in order will determine an easy, slow or difficult process. Here’s what you need to know when your file is reviewed… Mortgage underwriting in today’s environment is a very bureaucratic process. The…

The ideal mortgage candidate

By Scott Sheldon / November 7, 2016

When it comes time to purchase or refinance a home lenders are look for a certain financial profile. Your financial profile should have these things… There is four things lenders look at when deciding whether not to grant you financing and having a balance of each will score you better terms and an easier process.…

Are you a physician? Getting a mortgage just got easier…

By Scott Sheldon / November 2, 2016

One of more unique ways borrowers in the health care industry can get a mortgage is the doctor’s loan. Here’s how the flexible program works… One of the benefits of being a physician when it comes time to getting a mortgage is having more financial flexibility. This can help bridge the gap between renting and…

How to figure out closing costs on a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / September 27, 2016

Closing costs are a factor you must account for consider when taking out a mortgage to buy or refinance a home. Here’s what you need to know across the board… When can you take out a mortgage there’s fees that you’re going to pay to various service providers besides just the mortgage company. This includes,…

Should you go FHA or Conventional?

By Scott Sheldon / September 21, 2016

FHA loans and conventional loans remain the most popular financing type for today’s mortgage borrowers. Here’s how to determine which program makes the most financial sense for you… FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration. The program contains two forms of mortgage insurance; an upfront mortgage insurance premium calculated at 1.75% of the…

One really smart move to best prepare for getting a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / September 11, 2016

Securing mortgage loan financing requires a laundry list of paperwork. Here’s a really simple tip you can take to the bank to make sure your process is easy while getting the best mortgage… Every year you gather together paperwork for doing your tax returns things like; receipts, explanations, paystubs and W-2s. 70% of this information…

How to evaluate buying a rental property

By Scott Sheldon / September 6, 2016

Buying a rental property can be very lucrative and sound financial vestment. Here’s how to determine whether not buying a rental property with financing makes sense. Location, location, location Location for the property is critical. It is often thought a rental property is more dollars and cents transaction with less focus on location. While this…

Waiting for rates to drop on a new mortgage?

By Scott Sheldon / August 31, 2016

It’s no secret interest rates are the main driver of the nation’s loan volume. Fixed rate mortgages are currently sub 4%. Here is why waiting for a better rate could be risky could move… The markets will continue to move The pricing associated with interest rates moves daily, in some cases multiple times per day.…