The Mortgage Files
Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.
Here’s how to buy a house even if you think your income may not qualify
If you’re looking to get prequalified to buy a home, one of the main elements, a lender will use to determine your ability to afford that home is your income. Your gross monthly income from your W-2 wages or your net income from your tax returns is what the lender will use as a basis…
Read More about Here’s how to buy a house even if you think your income may not qualifyHere is a smart mortgage strategy for buying a home in 2023
If you’ve been on the fence about buying a home and you’re thinking about potentially getting prequalified. Here are some things you should give some consideration to… You might be telling yourself “I don’t want to buy a home right now because interest rates are kind of high.” The question becomes in relation to what?…
Read More about Here is a smart mortgage strategy for buying a home in 2023Why failing banks is good news for mortgage rates
In the last few weeks, a handful of big banks have failed including Silicon Valley bank signature bank, and now First Republic Bank. While this is not a repeat of 2008, it does signal instability in the broader mortgage market which may be good news for long-term mortgage rates. Hear some things to consider… First…
Read More about Why failing banks is good news for mortgage ratesWhat the bank or credit union may not be telling about their juicy mortgage offer
You just went into a contract to buy a home, and now it’s time to get a mortgage loan to close escrow. If you decide to ask your local credit union or bank for mortgage info, make sure to read all the fine print. Here is some practical information to be aware of before you…
Read More about What the bank or credit union may not be telling about their juicy mortgage offerHow your interest free consumer debt may be keeping you from buying a home
If you’re thinking about purchasing a home and you’re carrying any consumer debt, such as installment loans, personal loans, or even low-rate credit cards. These things could adversely affect your ability to purchase a home. If you carry any of these obligations and you are desiring to buy a home the following information is for…
Read More about How your interest free consumer debt may be keeping you from buying a home5 ways you will not get a home loan to buy a home
Most people given a choice would desire to purchase a home, arguably, given their financial situation, and their ability to handle a monthly housing payment. Oddly enough, there are times from a lender’s perspective you might not get a home loan and it has nothing to do with your credit score, credit, history, income, or…
Read More about 5 ways you will not get a home loan to buy a homeIs a down payment assistance loan to buy a home a good idea?
For those looking to purchase real estate particularly first-time home buyers, the notion of a down payment assistance loan where you need very little or no money to close escrow could be a very attractive option. Here are some things to consider if you’re evaluating a low or down-payment mortgage loan… Down payment assistance loans…
Read More about Is a down payment assistance loan to buy a home a good idea?What’s the magic interest rate to refinance your mortgage?
For consumers who purchased their homes or took out any kind of residential mortgage loan in 2022 the future prospect of refinancing can seem very attractive. Here are some things you might want to consider as to finding what mortgage rate is generally the best to justify moving forward on a refinance when rates drop……
Read More about What’s the magic interest rate to refinance your mortgage?