The Mortgage Files

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

Should you buy a home in cash or finance it?

Should you buy a home in cash or finance it?

By Scott Sheldon / October 8, 2023

If you’re looking to buy a house and you have the economic means to do so, you might be considering whether it makes sense to buy the house in cash and be mortgage free or take out mortgage loan. At the end of the day, it boils down to personal preference, However, before you make…

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How to align expectations with market conditions to buy a home

How to align expectations with market conditions to buy a home

By Scott Sheldon / September 17, 2023

You have decided to you want to buy a home. You supply the lender with all your paperwork, and you know you can afford a mortgage even if it’s a little outside of your payment comfort, but for whatever reason you just can’t seem to get into a contract. The stars are not aligning, which,…

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Why the current mortgage dilemma is a bigger problem than most think!

Why the current mortgage dilemma is a bigger problem than most think!

By Scott Sheldon / July 9, 2023

If you have a really low mortgage rate on your home right now, but you want to buy another home, there needs to be some sort of justification, for giving up the historic, low-interest rate to go into a higher-priced mortgage,  here are some things consumers have to weigh out as a relates to making…

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Should you buy a house or wait for the market to improve?

5 signs you should wait to buy a house

By Scott Sheldon / June 25, 2023

If you’re thinking about buying a home, but you’re just not sure. You’re probably better off listening to your gut. That looming credit card debt, or personal loan, that you just can’t seem to kick whatever the case may be here are five reasons you might want to think about waiting to purchase a home…

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How numbers in the mortgage process may change

How numbers in the mortgage process may change

By Scott Sheldon / June 4, 2023

When you apply for a home the lender analyzes your credit score, your income credit score, and assets in determining your eligibility to buy a home. If anything changes in the process, numbers can as a result… Numbers can change in the process in any number of the following ways- insurance on your home is…

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What the bank or credit union may not be telling about their juicy mortgage offer

What the bank or credit union may not be telling about their juicy mortgage offer

By Scott Sheldon / May 14, 2023

You just went into a contract to buy a home, and now it’s time to get a mortgage loan to close escrow. If you decide to ask your local credit union or bank for mortgage info, make sure to read all the fine print. Here is some practical information to be aware of before you…

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When you’re applying for a home loan, make sure you tell your lender everything

When you’re applying for a home loan, make sure you tell your lender everything

By Scott Sheldon / April 23, 2023

If you’re thinking about getting prequalified to buy a home, maybe you have some issues with your credit history in the past, or maybe you cosigned for someone else’s property. These are the types of things you might think might not matter to a mortgage company granting your home loan, but they do matter. If…

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How your interest free consumer debt may be keeping you from buying a home

How your interest free consumer debt may be keeping you from buying a home

By Scott Sheldon / April 14, 2023

If you’re thinking about purchasing a home and you’re carrying any consumer debt, such as installment loans, personal loans, or even low-rate credit cards. These things could adversely affect your ability to purchase a home. If you carry any of these obligations and you are desiring to buy a home the following information is for…

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