The Mortgage Files

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

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How Mortgage Interest Works

By Scott Sheldon / October 9, 2015

Mortgage interest is a double edge sword, on one hand it’s a tax-deductible expense, but by and large it is the heaviest cost of homeownership. What to pay attention to if you have not done a mortgage in a few years or bought a home before. Interest Works The Opposite Of Rent The amount of…

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Unconventional way to pay off your home faster

Here’s An Unconventional Way To Pay Off Your Home Faster Without Changing Terms

By Scott Sheldon / September 14, 2015

Most strategies to pay off your home involve making radical principal prepayments or moving to a shorter-term debt structure. Here is a way to refinance your home using your lender’s money. Quick Finance Lesson: Lenders generate more revenue on higher interest rate loans. The catch is, the additional revenue is not kept by the lender,…

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Will Paying Off My Mortgage Hurt My Credit Score?

By Scott Sheldon / May 2, 2015

No one actually wants a mortgage. A mortgage is simply a means to an end, if you don’t have the cash. Ridding yourself of the financial obligation is the next best thing, but could it come at the expense of your credit score? What to know… Mortgage Affects On Credit Score Nothing can help or…

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5 Factors To Think About When Refinancing

By Scott Sheldon / December 14, 2014

Mortgage rates are now the lowest level we’ve seen in the last 17 months ago. If you can save money by refinancing your mortgage or have been putting it off, you owe yourself to explore your options. Here’s the five setbacks to know before pulling the trigger… The 1% Rate Reduction Rule Most finance experts…

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Want A Mortgage? Give Us Your Birth Certificate

By Scott Sheldon / September 14, 2014

In the compliant world of securing a mortgage these days, many are realizing explanations and full supporting documentation are now considered to be the ‘norm’. Lenders must validate a borrower really is who they say they are. One way a mortgage lender verifies a borrower’s identity is validating their Social Security Number. The catch? If…

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Why A Low Rate Loan Is Not Always The Most Affordable

By Scott Sheldon / May 10, 2014

Other factors beyond the rate can drive up a your projected new monthly mortgage payment. Such adjustments include private mortgage insurance (PMI for short) and the term of the loan sought. A lower rate loan adjusting for mortgage insurance and a shorter term debt structure will make for a higher payment. What to be aware…

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Can I have two FHA Loans out at the same time?

By Scott Sheldon / August 20, 2013

Yes you can. Here’s the best possible scenario to have to FHA Loans out at the same time. You purchased your home originally with an FHA Loan, put 3.5% down and now your situation has changed. Any one the following is makes sense with FHA: perhaps your business is such that you need a bigger…

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