The Mortgage Files

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

Why waiting for mortgage rates to get better is a losing proposition

By Scott Sheldon / September 22, 2019

Why waiting for mortgage rates to get better is a losing proposition Purchasing or refinancing a house for many families is a staple of the American Dream. One of the best ways to gage affordability is getting a good interest rate which is a function of your total monthly mortgage payment… Mortgage rates change based…

How your finances matter when it comes to buying a home

By Scott Sheldon / September 1, 2019

Buying a home is quite a financial feat. It requires careful planning due diligence and making sure that it’s the right decision for you and your family. If you’re buying a home, you may to begin to prepare your finances… To get a mortgage you must have a blend of cash, credit and income. You…

Should you go FHA or conventional for purchasing your first home?

By Scott Sheldon / August 4, 2019

Buying your first home should be handled with extreme care including selecting which mortgage loan program makes the most financial sense. Following is what you ought to consider when looking at both mortgage loan programs … Loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are conventional loans which require a minimum down payment of 5%…

How to handle a lower home value when refinancing your mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / July 21, 2019

When you apply to refinance your house one of the risks you inevitable agree to is your application is subject to a loan to value. Here is how to handle a situation where you value is beneath initial estimates… One of the things you must have you when refinance is a loan to value determined…

Should you refinance with today’s mortgage rates?

By Scott Sheldon / June 2, 2019

The decision to refinance can be something that requires careful consideration time and energy. If you’re thinking about refinancing here’s some things to consider… What is the number one net tangible benefit to do this refinance? This is by far the most important consideration you need to ask yourself. Is it worth all the paperwork…

Should you do a cash-out refinance or get a home equity line of credit?

By Scott Sheldon / May 19, 2019

As mortgage rates continue to remain flat, it might not be a bad thing to consider really weighing out both options of getting a home equity line of credit or doing a Cash out refinance for that home improvement project or debt consolidation you have been thinking about. If you’re looking to pull money out…

Mortgages: why you need to read the fine print

By Scott Sheldon / May 5, 2019

Every consumer wants to get a fair and reasonable deal on the cost of borrowing funds refinance your home or purchase a home. However, what many people get fooled into is believing that whatever they’re seeing on the internet or receiving in their mailbox is is the best choice for them. Here is what you…

How a bank statement program might help you get a mortgage more easily

By Scott Sheldon / April 23, 2019

One of the challenges some families may have when seeking a mortgage is not showing enough income on paper via tax returns to qualify. Here’s some nuances about bank statement programs that might help you land a mortgage more successfully… Traditionally when getting a mortgage most mortgage companies are going to want your W-2s or…