The Mortgage Files

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

Why not all first time homebuyer programs are created equal

By Scott Sheldon / April 10, 2022

If you are just starting in life and trying to get your footprint in the real estate climate; the information in this post is for you. Everyone must start somewhere and buy that first home. That first home is always the big one it is by far the hardest and most emotional. It can also…

Should you refinance during rising rates?

By Scott Sheldon / March 14, 2022

If you’re thinking about refinancing your house and you’ve been on the fence; now would be a good time to start that application. Interest rates are all relative so it’s important to understand the total picture when deciding whether you should refinance your property.   It’s no surprise that the federal reserve more than likely…

Are you Self employed having a tough time getting a mortgage?

By Scott Sheldon / January 1, 2022

Are you self-employed in having a tough time getting a mortgage? Here’s what you need to know… When it comes to being self-employed one of the biggest challenges that you’re going to have as an entrepreneur is reporting income. The more income you show the more taxes you pay the less you have for savings…

How changing your preapproved amount may affect your home buying chances

By Scott Sheldon / December 26, 2021

So, you’re looking to purchase a house, you’re preapproved, and you’re on the home search. You and your realtor are going out on nights and weekends looking at homes and deciding if the house is the right fit for you and your family. Here’s some following information you should be aware of as it relates…

How to get a mortgage if your 2020 tax return was low due to covid_19

By Scott Sheldon / September 19, 2021

As we are entering into pandemic manageability, one of the things lenders are still looking for as it pertains to self-employment borrowers is positive income from your tax return… Both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the FHA and the VA all want two years of tax returns. Lenders also these days request a year-to-date…

Your choices if you’re self employed and you don’t show enough income for a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / August 8, 2021

Mortgage companies use your net income from your tax returns to qualify you. The excuse my accountant won’t let me do that, or I have to pay more taxes is incongruent with mortgage loans. Here is what you need to know… Part of being an entrepreneur is also bearing the costs that come with it…

Borrowing a down payment to buy a home? Watch our for these two retirement accounts

By Scott Sheldon / July 12, 2021

One of the best things you can do to proactively position you and your family to buy a home is to borrow money from your 401K after all, it’s your money. If you’re thinking about pulling money from retirement to buy a home here’s what you need to know and the 2 types of accounts…

Can you get a mortgage with a brand new job or a recent raise?

By Scott Sheldon / June 14, 2021

One of the most important things consumers have to deal with when securing mortgage loan financing besides having a good credit score and a good down payment is having income to actually offset the proposed liability i.e, a  mortgage payment. Income is single-handedly the most important thing because it drives affordability. Lenders and banks know…