The Mortgage Files

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

Why waiting to pull credit may not make sense for getting a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / April 16, 2019

Everyone wants to be a credit expert especially when it comes time to getting a mortgage. The unfortunate truth is most people do not have the expertise or time to accurately enhance their credit scores. If you’re trying to work on your credit for getting a mortgage here’s what you should plan for… There are…

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…

Common questions on financed pmi mortgage loans

By Scott Sheldon / February 26, 2019

The two most common loans available in the marketplace are Conventional loans and FHA Loans. FHA Loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and Conventional mortgages are backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. When you use an FHA loan to purchase or refinance a house there is an upfront mortgage insurance premium calculated…

These little nuances may affect your first-time buyer mortgage options

By Scott Sheldon / February 19, 2019

Purchasing a house for the first time requires careful planning and consideration so you can make the right financial choice for you and your family. Here’s what you ought to consider when your determining whether or not you should pull the trigger on the big ticket purchase… There’s two types of mortgage loans available in…

Why you may need to pay the piper with your self-employed income for a loan

By Scott Sheldon / February 12, 2019

Applying to purchase or refinance a mortgage is going to require you providing an ample supply of credit, cash and documentable income to support the loan that you are seeking. Contrary to popular belief a mortgage loan is not made against the property, but rather against your ability to repay. Here’s some things you need…

How much of your mortgage income should be going towards an auto loan

By Scott Sheldon / January 15, 2019

Buying a house can always be a daunting consuming feat. Caring consumer obligations such as car loans can further complicate a picture of that otherwise could be more financially lucrative. When you carry on a car debt whether it’s at lease payment or whether it’s a financed payment you’re handcuffing a portion of your future…

5 quirky refinance scenarios that work

By Scott Sheldon / January 8, 2019

5 quirky refinance scenarios that work In the last few years mortgage lending guidelines have begun to loosen as the broader economy is stronger now that the recession has past. Following refinance scenarios are eligible for financing… Cash-out refinancing followed by cash-out refinancing just six months after. You heard that right you can do a…