The Mortgage Files

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

FHA vs. Conventional Loans—Which Costs Less in the Long Run?

FHA Loan Update: Easier Process for Family Gift Funds

By Scott Sheldon / May 23, 2024

If you’ve been thinking about buying a home with an FHA loan, there’s some exciting news that could make the process smoother, especially if you’re relying on family for financial help. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) just announced a significant change to its guidelines that could make it much easier for homebuyers… What Changed? Since…

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Understanding Mortgage Rates and Their Impact on Home Buying Power

Understanding Mortgage Rates and Their Impact on Home Buying Power

By Scott Sheldon / May 8, 2024

Navigating the world of real estate financing can often feel like trying to hit a moving target, especially with the constant fluctuations in mortgage rates. Following is how to break down the often complex relationship between mortgage rates and home buying power, helping you understand how these changes can impact your pursuit of the American…

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how to buy a home from family without needing any cash

How to buy a home from family without needing any cash

By Scott Sheldon / April 17, 2024

Have you ever considered buying a house from a family member? It’s a unique opportunity that comes with its own set of benefits and challenges. Whether you’re purchasing your childhood home from your parents or acquiring a property from a grandparent, understanding the ins and outs of this process is essential for a successful transaction.…

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Unlocking Dreams: A Festive Dip in Interest Rates

Building or Buying a Home with Little or No Down Payment: What to Consider

By Scott Sheldon / January 7, 2024

Title: Building or Buying a Home with Little or No Down Payment: What to Consider Are you dreaming of owning a home, but have little or no cash for a down payment? If you’re in this situation, you might be wondering whether building or buying a home is the right option for you. Both scenarios…

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5 practical ways to increase your purchasing power when buying a home

What happens with real estate prices when interest rates ultimately fall?

By Scott Sheldon / November 19, 2023

It’s no surprise that interest rates drive the housing market. If more people can buy a home, more demand is created and more demand drives housing prices up, which subsequently results in gaining home equity. Following are the dynamics that transpire in the market when interest rates come down… Homeowners stand to gain more equity…

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how to time when to buy a home

How time to the market to buy a home

By Scott Sheldon / November 5, 2023

Everyone looking to buy a house is looking to get a “deal” to some degree. The home has to fit within the monthly budget in support of a sound financial decision. Part of this process is identifying marketing time so you can buy a home successfully… The great investor warren, Buffett has been quoted of…

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why being a picky home buyer could be an issue

Why being choosy as home buyer could be problematic

By Scott Sheldon / October 29, 2023

You’ve decided to buy a home, you’ve gotten preapproved with a lender, your file has even been pre-underwritten. Here are some things you might want to give some consideration to- what you want versus what the market might support… Here’s to considerations to think about.. Consideration one- Let’s say you’re pre-approved to $700,000, the house…

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Does the house you want to buy need work?

Does the house you want to buy need work?

By Scott Sheldon / October 15, 2023

As you get preapproved and embark on your homebuying journey, you will soon discover an array of different homes. Some homes are in good condition, some in excellent condition and others perhaps in poor condition. Here are some things to consider as it relates to whether the house truly needs work when deciding to make…

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