The Mortgage Files

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

Can you get a mortgage if your loan is in forbearance?

Can you get a mortgage if your loan is in forbearance?

By Scott Sheldon / September 23, 2020

One of the challenges of securing mortgage financing during this COVID-19 environment is forbearance. The pandemic has created some rather unprecedented and unique situations for people desiring to borrow money. If your mortgage loan is in forbearance and you’re trying to get a mortgage here’s what you need to know… First things first it doesn’t…

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common costly mortgages

Types of mortgages that may cost more

By Scott Sheldon / September 9, 2020

It’s no surprise 30-year mortgage rates today are under 3% with good credit, good equity, and good income. What you might not know is that not all loan situations are considered equal. Here are the several types of financing situations that might end up costing you more money… Please know your neighbor down the street…

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Which company you chose to handle your home refinance matters

Which company you chose to handle your home refinance matters

By Scott Sheldon / August 25, 2020

Should you refinance your house with the random mortgage company offering you what appears to be too good to be true? Maybe…read on. One of the things which play in the mortgage industry is lenders popping up at of nowhere when interest rates drop. Quick buck companies that solely rely on refinance activity arrive out…

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Should you refinance with today's historically low rates?

Should you refinance with today’s historically low rates?

By Scott Sheldon / August 21, 2020

Many experts will tell you shouldn’t refinance unless you’re saving 1% lower in rate. With today’s interest rates being on average below 3%  here’s how you should determine whether refinancing for you and your family makes sense or not… Stop paying attention to all of the internet articles and all the so-called financial experts out…

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how to reposition your debt to buy a home

How to reposition your debt to buy a home

By Scott Sheldon / August 6, 2020

Purchasing your first home or even a move-up home is no easy feat. You need to have a blend of credit, income, and manageable monthly expenses so you can support the desired house payment you’re looking to take on. The number one reason why people have a difficult time getting qualified to purchase a home,…

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How to use a 401k for down payment to buy a home

How to use a 401k for down payment to buy a home

By Scott Sheldon / July 24, 2020

Does it make sense to tap your 401k to purchase a home? For most families in America, one of the biggest Staples of wealth is a retirement account. Here is what you might want to keep in mind when you are deciding where to get funds to purchase a house… To successfully close on a…

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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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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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