The Mortgage Files

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

What you must do when getting an FHA mortgage with an income based student loan

By sonomacountym / October 3, 2017

FHA loans generally are easier to get than conventional mortgages. They require less money down, allow higher payment to income ratios and generally provide more flexibility for borrowing mortgage money. If you have an income based student loan you will want to pay close attention to the details about to follow…. Mortgage lenders used to…

Lending guidelines just got easier for conventional traditional mortgages

By sonomacountym / September 26, 2017

If you’re in the market for a mortgage and you are paying alimony, the guidelines just got easier to allow you to get a mortgage. Here’s how the new guideline will benefit you if you’re paying alimony… Previously, most mortgage companies would take an alimony payment obligation and use this debt against your income. Last…

These two factors drive your mortgage cost

By sonomacountym / September 19, 2017

These two factors have the biggest influence on the cost of your mortgage. There are two things can change the cost of your mortgage when buying or refinance a home more than you think. Here’s what you need to know when trying to secure the best possible mortgage for your family. The two factors that…

The truth about how credit scores relate to mortgages

By Scott Sheldon / August 29, 2017

Credit scores are incredibly important when secure a mortgage financing. They are however only one leg of a four-leg table. Here’s what to remember about credit scores and home loans. *Credit scores for jumbo mortgages need to be at least 680 or more *Credit scores can be as low as 620 for a conforming loan…

How to pick the right mortgage loan program for your situation

By Scott Sheldon / August 17, 2017

With the proliferation of new home buying programs being introduced into the market consumers today have more choices for securing financing than ever before. Here is how to pick what mortgage loan program for your unique financial profile… Know this-take peoples thoughts and opinions with a grain of salt. Before you start looking at loan…

Here is something most married folks do not realize when applying for an FHA Loan

By Scott Sheldon / August 8, 2017

Today’s world of mortgages is made up by two sorts of loans government backed loans and government insured loans. Government insured loans are hugely popular. The FHA Loan is the benchmark government loan appealing to many due to its flexible guidelines and lower down payment options. Here is one pitfall you need to know if…

Why a car lease can harm your mortgage possibilities 

By Scott Sheldon / August 2, 2017

Unlike an auto loan, a lease is a short debt that contain a future pay off. Here is why a lease can hurt your chances of getting a mortgage… Lenders look at the minimum monthly obligations that you pay on your debts. They take those minimum payments and add those to a proposed total mortgage…

How to get a mortgage with a credit score under 620

By Scott Sheldon / July 22, 2017

Here is what most banks and mortgage companies will not tell you. If you have a bad credit score they don’t want your business. It’s the truth. Every financial institution wants borrowers with good credit, a healthy down payment, a stable job and low manageable debts. The reality is that most people don’t fit the…