The Mortgage Files

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

Mortgage Loan Application

Should you buy a house or refinance the one you already own in 2021?

By Scott Sheldon / January 13, 2021

With fixed-rate mortgages still at historical levels, many are considering re-evaluating their home and financial situation. One strategy might be to remodel the house you presently have another might be to acquire a new house. Here are some things to consider when exploring both options so you and your family can weigh out what makes…

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Loan Word Spelled Out in Palm of Hand

Why your side business makes getting a mortgage tougher

By Scott Sheldon / January 6, 2021

The reality of today’s mortgage market may come in the form of tough love. For many families purchasing or refinancing a home can make a huge financial impact on their life. Applying for and successfully get a home loan can be a bit tricky depending on your financial situation. Here are some things to just…

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Home unlocked with key

How you use your money make affect your mortgage options

By Scott Sheldon / December 30, 2020

If you want a mortgage you need to be prepared financially and have all your ample documentation set up and ready to go. One such thing you need to be aware of is using cash. Here’s how to best support your cash when using down payment monies and or reserves to purchase a home…. First…

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Unlocking Dreams: A Festive Dip in Interest Rates

How to make sure your mortgage application makes sense

By Scott Sheldon / December 23, 2020

Consumers securing mortgage loan financing today at times might be frustrated with the amount of paperwork needed to get their mortgage application signed off.  As a result, you must meet ATR which is ability-to-repay requirements to secure mortgage financing. As a result, some people depending on how technical their file is may experience more paperwork…

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Monopoly Piece-Like House

Why your mortgage loan application might be delayed

By Scott Sheldon / December 7, 2020

With interest rates being at historical lows more and more people are applying for mortgages and nationally mortgage banks and lenders across the country are experiencing unprecedented amounts of volume, expect delays. If you’re purchasing or refinancing a home follow is what you need to understand and be aware of… The coronavirus pandemic has created…

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Keys in Palm of Homebuyer's Hand

The 3 most common mortgage loan types

By Scott Sheldon / November 25, 2020

Picking the right mortgage loan type for your family is a big financial decision. Here are some things to consider about the three most popular types of mortgages and what the pros and cons and differences are between all three… Most mortgages today are for 30 year fixed rates. There are other terms available such…

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Single Housekey in Owner's Hand

The number one reason why you shouldn’t buy a home

By Scott Sheldon / November 19, 2020

Buying a home is a balancing act between a mortgage payment in relation to present and future expenses. One of the biggest challenges people have when buying a house is being able to plan a family budget around a mortgage payment. Real estate is not black and white, it is not linear sometimes it’s a…

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Reviewing Mortgage Rates and Deals

How out of pocket costs relate to mortgage refinancing

By Scott Sheldon / November 13, 2020

With interest rates at historical lows, many families across the country would stand to benefit from turning in their high-cost mortgage in exchange for getting something far more affordable with today’s rates. There’s a lot that goes into the mix, including cost-benefit, what the real cost of funds is and many other factors to weigh…

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