The Mortgage Files

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

FHA vs. Conventional Loans—Which Costs Less in the Long Run?

FHA Loan Update: Easier Process for Family Gift Funds

By Scott Sheldon / May 23, 2024

If you’ve been thinking about buying a home with an FHA loan, there’s some exciting news that could make the process smoother, especially if you’re relying on family for financial help. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) just announced a significant change to its guidelines that could make it much easier for homebuyers… What Changed? Since…

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Why long term term open housers need pre approval

Why long term term open housers need pre approval

By Scott Sheldon / May 13, 2024

Title: Navigating the Home Buying Journey: Why Long-Term Open Housers Need Pre-Approval If you’re the type to spend weekends browsing open houses without immediate plans to buy—affectionately known as a “weekend warrior home buyer” or a “long-term open houser”—you understand the thrill of the hunt. There’s a unique excitement in exploring potential homes and imagining…

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How hourly wages impact mortgage loan approvals

How hourly wages impact mortgage loan approvals

By Scott Sheldon / April 28, 2024

Are you dreaming of owning your own home but finding it challenging to secure a mortgage due to your hourly wage? You’re not alone. Many individuals face hurdles in obtaining residential mortgage loans, particularly those paid hourly with varying work hours. Let’s delve into why this can be a struggle and explore potential solutions. When…

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Navigating the Decision to Wait for Lower Mortgage Rates

Navigating the Decision to Wait for Lower Mortgage Rates

By Scott Sheldon / April 22, 2024

Are you holding off on buying a home, hoping that interest rates will come down? It’s a common sentiment among consumers, but before you delay your homeownership dreams, let’s take a closer look at the financial implications… Let’s start with an example: Suppose the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage today is 6 1/2%, and you’re considering…

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5 practical ways to increase your purchasing power when buying a home

5 practical ways to increase purchasing power when buying a home

By Scott Sheldon / March 27, 2024

Buying a house today can be an arduous task, especially when you consider the many challenges that families face. One of the most significant challenges is qualifying for a price that is affordable for the family. Heightened interest rates and high housing prices only add to the difficulty. However, there are a few factors that…

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Scott Sheldon's The Mortgage FIles Blog

How the housing industry may be affected by the upcoming real estate changes

By Scott Sheldon / March 21, 2024

The recent settlement involving the National Association of Realtors regarding real estate agent compensation has the potential to impact both buyers and sellers in the industry. As we move into uncharted territory in the summer of 2024, it’s important to evaluate the possible effects of this change. Historically, the industry has accepted a real estate…

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5 practical ways to increase your purchasing power when buying a home

How to avoid a contingent offer to buy a new home without selling your current home first

By Scott Sheldon / March 14, 2024

Buying a new home while still owning your current home can be a challenging process, especially in today’s market. When you want to purchase a new home without selling your current home first, you may be required to make a contingent offer. A contingent offer means that the purchase of your new home is dependent…

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How to maximize purchasing power when buying a home

How to maximize purchasing power when buying a home

By Scott Sheldon / February 29, 2024

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the intricacies of examining whether it’s wiser to invest more in down payments or to retain cash and utilize debt to enhance purchasing power. Traditionally, a larger down payment is linked to lower monthly mortgage payments and reduced overall interest costs. However, in today’s financial landscape, where liquidity…

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