The Mortgage Files

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

5 Important Things To Consider When Refinancing To A Fixed Rate Mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / December 10, 2015

If you have an adjustable rate mortgage on your home, here the 5 prudent factors to weigh in on when refinancing to fixed rate loan type…. Duration of Introductory Rate Period Most adjustable rate mortgages are fixed for first few years in the introductory period, and then become variable for the remainder of the duration…

Will Loans With A Few Payments Left Hurt My Home Buying Chances?

By Scott Sheldon / November 20, 2015

If you’re thinking about qualifying for a mortgage, here’s what you must know if you have payments with a few months left to go. Get the facts… When you apply for a mortgage loan, the lender takes in the consideration your credit score, your cash you plan to use to spend on a home, your…

Why You’re Burning Money If You Have Not Yet Refinanced Your 4.25 Or Higher Mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / October 29, 2015

If you’re serious about reducing your interest expense associated with your mortgage, refinancing is a guaranteed bet to reduce your payment, reduce your cost of funds and pay off your home faster. Haven’t refinanced yet? Know your options… Rate Reduction This is number reason most consumers elect to refinance. The biggest driver of payment reduction…

Five Things Consumer Still Do In The Loan Process That Hurts Their Loan Closing

By Scott Sheldon / October 2, 2015

Lending requirements are starting to loosen, and gone are the days of overly stringent mortgage underwriting. While this remains… here are five things borrowers still do in the loan process that make things more dicey. Co-mingling Gift Funds-let’s say you’re receiving gift monies from family to buy a home. You instruct your family member providing…

The Things You Need To Buy A Home Beyond Your Income

By Scott Sheldon / March 15, 2015

Buying a home? You will need need patience, resilience to rejection, and sound financial planning, if are serious about pulling it off. Your income is important, but the rest of your financials need to be in order as well. What you’ll need… You need not earn gobs of money to be successful in purchasing a…

This Employee Tax Deduction Could Kill Your Mortgage Eligibility

By Scott Sheldon / February 9, 2015

You may want to rethink taking those extra deductions to minimize your tax liability this year if you plan to get a mortgage. Writing off expenses you incur as a W-2 employee can have lasting negative repercussions on your real income, an anchor  component of how home lenders determine your creditworthiness… IRS Form 2106 You…

Carrying A Rental Property May Hurt Your Mortgage Chances

By Scott Sheldon / May 25, 2014

Do you own rental property? If yes, and you’re looking to borrow money with a new mortgage, your gain or loss identified by your tax returns may help or hinder your chances of procuring favorable credit. Lenders can use up to 75% of the rents generated, however, if there is a history of rental losses,…