The Mortgage Files
Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.
How to button up your finances for getting a mortgage
If you are trying to get a mortgage, the number one thing you need is affordability. How much you earn in relation to how much you spend can make or break your mortgage application. Here are some things to consider when you’re trying to figure out how to best improve your chances of borrowing money…
Read More about How to button up your finances for getting a mortgageHow to use a 401k for down payment to buy a home
Does it make sense to tap your 401k to purchase a home? For most families in America, one of the biggest Staples of wealth is a retirement account. Here is what you might want to keep in mind when you are deciding where to get funds to purchase a house… To successfully close on a…
Read More about How to use a 401k for down payment to buy a homeBuying a house? Expect multiple offers
Believe it or not, the pandemic has created a unique situation where many markets are experiencing multiple-offer situations on properties for sale. If you’re going to get pre-approved or begin looking for a house here is what you might want to be aware of and what you can best do to position your chances of…
Read More about Buying a house? Expect multiple offersWhat to know about VA loans
The VA mortgage is hands-down the best mortgage loan program. Here’s what you need to know if you’re a US military veteran and you’re eligible for VA financing… The VA does not grant loans, but they guarantee loans. The Depart of Veteran’s Affairs guarantees the lender against payment default. VA loans typically have much lower…
Read More about What to know about VA loansAll about FHA Loans for 2020 and beyond
One of the most popular mortgage loan programs continues to be popular especially amongst first time home buyers is the FHA loan. FHA Loans can help bridge the gap between renting and owning an offer numerous benefits. It is prudent as an informed consumer to know the mechanics of how FHA Loans work and all…
Read More about All about FHA Loans for 2020 and beyondWhat you need to know if you are seeking an FHA mortgage with student loans
If you’re getting mortgage financing to purchase or refinance a house here is the number one thing that you’re going to want to avoid if you have a student loan. FHA mortgages and student loans do not mix here’s why… The Federal Housing Administration specifically requires the lender to use the highest possible amortizing payment…
Read More about What you need to know if you are seeking an FHA mortgage with student loansWhy interest rates will probably not get any lower
Interest rates are a big driver of the mortgage market. People purchasing houses and refinancing houses are taking advantage of today’s historically low rates. Here are some fundamentals you should be aware of when it comes to interest rates and what the market may or may not do going forward… First things first what drives…
Read More about Why interest rates will probably not get any lowerHow to use seller carry financing to purchase a house with less cash down
One of the old school ways home buyers used to buy homes was to secure a first mortgage and a second mortgage via seller carry financing. The program has gone away in recent years but a re-emergence is not beginning to take shape in this 2020 market. Here’s how you need to know how…
Read More about How to use seller carry financing to purchase a house with less cash down