The Mortgage Files

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

accurate mortgage rates

Why the Media is Not Your Friend When It Comes to Mortgage Rates

By Scott Sheldon / August 7, 2024

When it comes to understanding mortgage rates, relying solely on media sources can be misleading. The best barometer for where mortgage rates truly stand is the actual source: FreddieMac.com. This is the entity that buys the loans made and sold by mortgage aggregators. When you see headlines claiming that interest rates are lower or have…

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How do determine whether not you have a property tax bill due

How do determine whether not you have a property tax bill due

By Scott Sheldon / October 10, 2021

Property taxes are due twice a year in April and December. The county in which you purchased a home sends out these tax bills by the annual property taxes. If you’re a homeowner here’s what you need to know and how property tax bills relate to them being due. There are a few different categories…

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how the ppp loan may hurt your mortgage

How 1031 tax-deferred exchanges work

By Scott Sheldon / August 14, 2018

A 1031 tax-deferred exchange is a deferred exchange in the gain of an investment property used to acquire another investment property. Make no mistake this is a deferment where you’re kicking the can of the paying the property taxes obligation to some point in the future when you sell the property. Here is an example…

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15% down to buy a rental

The percentage down to purchase a rental property might less than you think

By Scott Sheldon / May 9, 2018

To purchase a rental property the consensus down payment needed 20%. However, the requirement to purchase a rental property is much lower than you think. Here’s what you need to know if you’re buying a rental property…. To purchase a property for rental income purposes 15% down is the requirement. If you’re purchasing a rental…

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what to know about a mortgage 4506t

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…

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