The Mortgage Files

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

Should you do a cash-out refinance or get a home equity line of credit?

By Scott Sheldon / May 19, 2019

As mortgage rates continue to remain flat, it might not be a bad thing to consider really weighing out both options of getting a home equity line of credit or doing a Cash out refinance for that home improvement project or debt consolidation you have been thinking about. If you’re looking to pull money out…

Does your mortgage lender know how to do purchase business?

By Scott Sheldon / May 12, 2019

Purchasing a home is a large financial move and there is a ton of details that go into the process; including everything from getting a mortgage to finding the right house in the right neighborhood within the area and location your desiring to purchase in. Then there’s crafting the offer and packaging it in a…

Why the VA mortgage is the best home loan

By Scott Sheldon / April 9, 2019

If you served in the military a VA mortgage if you can qualify supports, the maximal amount of borrowing power with the lowest possible payment. Here are some things to consider when looking at a VA mortgage… The US Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees loans up to 100% loan to value for purchase rate and…

Here’s how to get the most benefit from your first-time home buyer researching

By Scott Sheldon / March 19, 2019

As a first-time home buyer taking the plunge to home ownership is a big step. You need to be feeling good about your personal debts and cash flow. Here is what you want to consider when researching so you can make the most informed home buying decision… The things you should consider when deciding whether…

What loan program you may be eligible for based on your credit score

By Scott Sheldon / March 12, 2019

Your credit plays an infinite role in your ability to get a mortgage loan. How good your credit stacks and what your credit history reveals may direct you into one program versus another. Here’s how your credit score drives what program you are eligible for. It’s no secret getting a mortgage is a bureaucratic and…

Be wary about paying off this type of debt when getting a home mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / March 5, 2019

Most mortgage companies will let you pay off debt to qualify for a mortgage. The beauty of doing so is borrowing power increase. Here’s what you know when paying off debt to getting a bigger mortgage amount…. Paying off debt to qualify is a wonderful way to drive borrowing power. For example, let’s say you…

These two conventional mortgage loan programs will get you a better interest rate and terms

By Scott Sheldon / January 22, 2019

When you’re buying or refinancing a house it goes without saying you want to get a competitive interest rate with favorable terms associated with the money you are borrowing. Two programs that support your ability to do this are Fannie Mae Home Ready and Freddie Mac Home Possible. These two programs typically have about 1/4…

How mortgage lender credits work

By Scott Sheldon / December 26, 2018

How mortgage lender credits work with rates If you’re getting a mortgage or plan to be you might be working with a situation where a lender credit is needed. Here is what you need to know with how lender credits work with regards to interest rates and government required disclosures… When you select a mortgage…