The Mortgage Files

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

Will a low down loan help you buy a home?

By Scott Sheldon / June 20, 2017

Low down-payment loans have been around much longer than most people realize. 2008 was the re-emergence of the FHA, only requiring 3.5% down. Today loans backed by the government requiring even less down are becoming popular. Here’s what you need to know if you’re working with a low down-payment loan to purchase a home… Low…

Why you cannot opt out of title insurance when getting a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / April 21, 2017

If you are like most consumers, you want to have a clear understanding of the fees associated with a mortgage. The closing process, lender fees, title fees, etc. This is so you know exactly how all the numbers add up. Here is something you need to know regarding getting title insurance when purchasing or refinancing…

The 2017 Mortgage Rate Environment

By Scott Sheldon / January 12, 2017

The mortgage industry has gone through some changes in the last three months. If you are looking to finance a home in 2017, it is important that you know what the opportunities are and how to capitalize on them. Over the next 12 months, keep these items in mind as you consider your financing arrangements:…

FHA loan limits for 2017 rise

By Scott Sheldon / December 7, 2016

Just before Thanksgiving the Federal Housing Finance Agency released the conforming loan limits change for 2017. This change resulted in higher loan limits beginning in January for many counties across the country. The FHA has now followed suit. Here is what to know about the FHA Loan Limits changes… The Federal Housing Administration is the…

6 questions every lender will ask

By Scott Sheldon / November 14, 2016

Like it or not when you apply for a mortgage you’re going to go through financial scrutiny. How well your financial picture is in order will determine an easy, slow or difficult process. Here’s what you need to know when your file is reviewed… Mortgage underwriting in today’s environment is a very bureaucratic process. The…

The ideal mortgage candidate

By Scott Sheldon / November 7, 2016

When it comes time to purchase or refinance a home lenders are look for a certain financial profile. Your financial profile should have these things… There is four things lenders look at when deciding whether not to grant you financing and having a balance of each will score you better terms and an easier process.…

How to figure out closing costs on a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / September 27, 2016

Closing costs are a factor you must account for consider when taking out a mortgage to buy or refinance a home. Here’s what you need to know across the board… When can you take out a mortgage there’s fees that you’re going to pay to various service providers besides just the mortgage company. This includes,…

Should you go FHA or Conventional?

By Scott Sheldon / September 21, 2016

FHA loans and conventional loans remain the most popular financing type for today’s mortgage borrowers. Here’s how to determine which program makes the most financial sense for you… FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration. The program contains two forms of mortgage insurance; an upfront mortgage insurance premium calculated at 1.75% of the…