The Mortgage Files

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

What to know about VA loans

By Scott Sheldon / July 9, 2020

The VA mortgage is hands-down the best mortgage loan program. Here’s what you need to know if you’re a US military veteran and you’re eligible for VA financing… The VA does not grant loans, but they guarantee loans. The Depart of Veteran’s Affairs guarantees the lender against payment default. VA loans typically have much lower…

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FHA LOANS for 2020 and beyond to buy or refinance

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…

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Why a 6 Month job gap on your FHA Mortgage could be an issue

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…

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Why interest rates probably will not go down any lower

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…

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How to use seller carry financing to purchase a house with less cash down

How to use seller carry financing to purchase a house with less cash down

By Scott Sheldon / June 5, 2020

  One of the old school ways home buyers used to buy homes was to secure a first mortgage and a second mortgage via seller carry financing. The program has gone away in recent years but a re-emergence is not beginning to take shape in this 2020 market. Here’s how you need to know how…

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Minimum credit scores changing on mortgage programs to do to Coronavirus

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…

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How to navigate mortgage appraisal situations during the Coronavirus pandemic

How to navigate mortgage appraisal situations during the Coronavirus pandemic

By Scott Sheldon / May 2, 2020

One of the things that have changed since the coronavirus has taken shape is how mortgage lenders are viewing appraisals. If you’re buying or refinancing a home here’s what you need to know… If you have a very good strong financial package typically 20% equity with good credit score and sufficient savings in the bank…

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Covet 19 should you be buying a house right now?

Covet 19 should you be buying a house right now?

By Scott Sheldon / March 25, 2020

Purchasing a house is a very large financial investment and it needs to be done with care and prudence. With the chaos, the doom and gloom you may be asking yourself should you buy a house? Should you wait or should you pull the trigger on the high-ticket item? Here are some things to consider…

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