The Mortgage Files

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

"A proud military veteran standing in front of their newly purchased home, holding house keys with a smile. An American flag is displayed outside, symbolizing homeownership and VA loan benefits.

Pro Tips for VA Loans: What Most Lenders Don’t Know

By Scott Sheldon / February 27, 2025

If you’re a military veteran looking to purchase or refinance a home using a VA loan, there are several lesser-known benefits and rules that can make the process easier. Many mortgage lenders are unaware of these details, so it’s essential to educate yourself to maximize the advantages of your VA loan. Here are some key…

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"Illustration of a human figure representing the Federal Reserve, holding large scissors and cutting a red percentage sign symbolizing an interest rate. Surrounding the figure are individuals representing homeowners, business people, and families reacting in various ways to the rate cut, with a city skyline in the background, featuring banks, homes, and businesses."

“Why Federal Reserve Rate Cuts Don’t Directly Lower Mortgage Rates”

By Scott Sheldon / September 30, 2024

Why Federal Reserve Rate Cuts Don’t Directly Lower Mortgage Rates When the Federal Reserve announces a cut in interest rates, many people immediately assume that mortgage rates will drop as well. Unfortunately, this is a common misconception. When the Fed adjusts its rates—specifically the Federal Funds Rate—it doesn’t directly impact long-term mortgage rates. Instead, these…

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Home unlocked with key

How you use your money make affect your mortgage options

By Scott Sheldon / December 30, 2020

If you want a mortgage you need to be prepared financially and have all your ample documentation set up and ready to go. One such thing you need to be aware of is using cash. Here’s how to best support your cash when using down payment monies and or reserves to purchase a home…. First…

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Why interest rates probably will not go down any lower

What to expect with mortgage rates over the next few months

By Scott Sheldon / November 17, 2019

If you’ve been waiting to pull the trigger on a new house purchase or a refinance and you’re waiting for an interest rate you may get your wish over the course of the next couple of weeks. That said that’s not without some potential risk you otherwise might incur by waiting for what may or…

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15% down to buy a rental

Why this factor will not matter when refinancing

By Scott Sheldon / June 6, 2017

If it has been a few years since you took out a mortgage loan, be prepared for questions, and to thoroughly document everything. A critical characteristic of good character is payment history. Payment history is  indicator of good financial merit, however it does not hold any weight in the larger financial picture.  You must have…

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be careful getting a mortgage with a bankruptcy

How much the debt in your life is costing you

By Scott Sheldon / February 10, 2017

Your ability to save money can become compromised by the financial obligations you are paying in your life. If you have a mortgage and consumer debts, this article will help you determine: Should you stay the course or take action to start getting control of your cash? The nuts and bolts of a good financial…

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Refinancing? What To Expect If You’re Rusty On The Financials

Refinancing? What To Expect If You’re Rusty On The Financials

By Scott Sheldon / June 25, 2015

Homeowners who have not taken out a mortgage in a few years are often astonished at the amount of paperwork they’ll need in the mortgage loan process. If you have not refinanced in the last five years, here’s what to get up to speed on… Paperwork to Compile Scrounging up supporting documentation is the least…

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