The Mortgage Files

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

Why waiting to pull credit may not make sense for getting a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / April 16, 2019

Everyone wants to be a credit expert especially when it comes time to getting a mortgage. The unfortunate truth is most people do not have the expertise or time to accurately enhance their credit scores. If you’re trying to work on your credit for getting a mortgage here’s what you should plan for… There are…

Here’s how to get the most benefit from your first-time home buyer researching

By Scott Sheldon / March 19, 2019

As a first-time home buyer taking the plunge to home ownership is a big step. You need to be feeling good about your personal debts and cash flow. Here is what you want to consider when researching so you can make the most informed home buying decision… The things you should consider when deciding whether…

These little nuances may affect your first-time buyer mortgage options

By Scott Sheldon / February 19, 2019

Purchasing a house for the first time requires careful planning and consideration so you can make the right financial choice for you and your family. Here’s what you ought to consider when your determining whether or not you should pull the trigger on the big ticket purchase… There’s two types of mortgage loans available in…

Why you may need to pay the piper with your self-employed income for a loan

By Scott Sheldon / February 12, 2019

Applying to purchase or refinance a mortgage is going to require you providing an ample supply of credit, cash and documentable income to support the loan that you are seeking. Contrary to popular belief a mortgage loan is not made against the property, but rather against your ability to repay. Here’s some things you need…

How mortgage lender credits work

By Scott Sheldon / December 26, 2018

How mortgage lender credits work with rates If you’re getting a mortgage or plan to be you might be working with a situation where a lender credit is needed. Here is what you need to know with how lender credits work with regards to interest rates and government required disclosures… When you select a mortgage…

How to lower your cash to close when buying a home

By Scott Sheldon / November 26, 2018

Purchasing a home can require a down payment plus closing costs which can equate the thousands of dollars. Here’s a way you can get your foot in the door using other people’s money… The national housing market has slowed, and refinance applications are down to the lowest level in years while purchase applications are otherwise…

The number one factor that can drive your mortgage cost up (hint not credit)

By Scott Sheldon / September 24, 2018

Purchasing or refinancing a home requires a certain degree of time, commitment and paperwork. Here is one factor that can make your mortgage more expensive … The simple answer is time. Time is not on your side when it comes to an escrow. The mortgage process is a very bureaucratic and compliant process and borrowers…

How to get a mortgage without providing tax returns

By Scott Sheldon / September 17, 2018

If you’re looking to purchase or refinance a house providing tax returns can sometimes just be inconvenient especially if your tax returns have various extending schedules. Here’s what you need to know if you’re looking to borrow money on a mortgage without providing the laundry list of financial documentation most banks and lenders require… Not…