The Mortgage Files

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

Seller Credit vs Price Reduction vs Rate Buydown: What Saves You More When Buying a Home?

By Scott Sheldon / May 6, 2026

Picture this. You’re in contract on a home. The seller agrees to give you $15,000 in concessions. Now comes the real decision: Do you use that money to: Cover your closing costs? Buy down your interest rate? Or reduce the purchase price? All three options sound good. But they impact your finances very differently—both now…

Can you buy a house with a 500 credit score?

By Scott Sheldon / June 10, 2025

Can You Buy a House with a 500 Credit Score? Yes—Here’s How Buying a home with a 500 credit score might seem like a long shot—but it’s not impossible. While low credit does make things more challenging, there are still viable paths to homeownership, especially through government-backed programs like FHA loans. Just know that success…

How seller credit maximize your purchasing power on a conventional or FHA home loan

By Scott Sheldon / May 16, 2025

Maximizing Your Home Buying Power with Seller Credits When purchasing a home, every dollar counts. Whether you’re putting down 3.5% with an FHA loan or opting for a conventional route with 10% or 20% down, understanding how seller credits work can be a game-changer. These credits can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, lower your monthly…