The Mortgage Files

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

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…

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…

How to get a mortgage if you’ve been furloughed to do to COVID_19

By Scott Sheldon / April 9, 2020

The coronavirus has undoubtedly created a significant amount of challenges for mortgage companies and families across America. Some lenders are changing credit score requirements, others are pulling out of the market entirely, and others are making restrictions on what types of loans they will fund. If you are in the process of getting a mortgage…

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…

Don’t make this common 401K home buying mistake

By Scott Sheldon / March 19, 2020

One excellent way to buy a house is to borrow money from your 401k. Every 401K provider is different, and the language associated with your 401k provider can make or break your ability to buy a home. Here’s what you need to know if you’re borrowing money from your 401k to purchase a house. For…

Why your mortgage goals may not happen

By Scott Sheldon / March 3, 2020

If you’re desiring to refinance your house or even buy a new one and you don’t have several hundred thousand dollars, you’re probably going to need a mortgage. One of the things you should carefully consider is the mortgage company that you’re choosing to apply with. Here are some things you might want to think…

3 ways that will prevent you from getting a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / February 12, 2020

If you want a mortgage, you need to play by the lender’s rules. There’s an old saying called the Golden Rule he who has the money makes the rules. When it comes to getting mortgage loan financing you need to be prepared to show supporting income documentation and have your ducks lined up. Here is…

Why your income is your lifeline to finance a home

By Scott Sheldon / January 23, 2020

Getting mortgage loan financing requires you providing a blend of good cash, ample credit, and income to offset a proposed new expense i.e. a mortgage loan. You must have the right blend of all three in order to purchase or refinance a home. What might not make sense however is the lifeline that’s going to…