The Mortgage Files

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

Lower Rates vs. High Prices – The Tradeoff You Can’t Ignore

By Scott Sheldon / February 12, 2026

Everyone loves the idea of lower mortgage rates—and for good reason. A lower rate means a lower monthly payment and more buying power. But here’s the part that often gets overlooked: when mortgage rates fall, home prices often rise. And sometimes, those rising prices can cancel out the benefit of a lower rate. This creates…

Mortgage Rate Forecast: What to Watch and Why Timing Is Tough

By Scott Sheldon / February 4, 2026

Let’s face it—everyone wants to know when mortgage rates will drop. Whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing an existing loan, or just watching from the sidelines, it’s tempting to wait for the “perfect” rate. But here’s the truth: no one can predict how low mortgage rates will go, not even the experts. That’s because…