The Mortgage Files

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

All about FHA Loans for 2020 and beyond

By Scott Sheldon / July 3, 2020

One of the most popular mortgage loan programs continues to be popular especially amongst first time home buyers is the FHA loan. FHA Loans can help bridge the gap between renting and owning an offer numerous benefits. It is prudent as an informed consumer to know the mechanics of how FHA Loans work and all…

What you need to know if you are seeking an FHA mortgage with student loans

By Scott Sheldon / June 18, 2020

If you’re getting mortgage financing to purchase or refinance a house here is the number one thing that you’re going to want to avoid if you have a student loan. FHA mortgages and student loans do not mix here’s why… The Federal Housing Administration specifically requires the lender to use the highest possible amortizing payment…

Why interest rates will probably not get any lower

By Scott Sheldon / June 11, 2020

Interest rates are a big driver of the mortgage market. People purchasing houses and refinancing houses are taking advantage of today’s historically low rates. Here are some fundamentals you should be aware of when it comes to interest rates and what the market may or may not do going forward… First things first what drives…

How to get a mortgage when your self employed income is tricky

By Scott Sheldon / May 20, 2020

Not always, but traditionally, self-employed borrowers have a hard time securing mortgage loan financing. If you are filing self-employed and you are trying to get qualified for mortgage financing here are some solid tips to keep in mind… Most mortgage lenders are going to require you to provide 2 years of federal tax returns. They…

Minimum credit scores changing on mortgage programs due to Coronavirus

By Scott Sheldon / May 12, 2020

If you are in the market for mortgage loan financing or will be in 2020 this information could be very pertinent to your situation. Here is what you need to know about what is going on right now and likely will happen throughout the rest of this year… The Coronavirus pandemic is not only a…

Don’t make this common 401K home buying mistake

By Scott Sheldon / March 19, 2020

One excellent way to buy a house is to borrow money from your 401k. Every 401K provider is different, and the language associated with your 401k provider can make or break your ability to buy a home. Here’s what you need to know if you’re borrowing money from your 401k to purchase a house. For…

Don’t make this home buying when negotiating the purchase price of a house

By Scott Sheldon / March 12, 2020

Buying a home is a high ticket purchase. It requires careful planning and due diligence. One of the biggest factors of buying a home is taking into consideration all the various reports, dates, and deadlines. It can be quite an ordeal of a process if it’s not handled correctly. Here is what to know… One…

Why your mortgage goals may not happen

By Scott Sheldon / March 3, 2020

If you’re desiring to refinance your house or even buy a new one and you don’t have several hundred thousand dollars, you’re probably going to need a mortgage. One of the things you should carefully consider is the mortgage company that you’re choosing to apply with. Here are some things you might want to think…