The Mortgage Files

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

One really smart move to best prepare for getting a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / September 11, 2016

Securing mortgage loan financing requires a laundry list of paperwork. Here’s a really simple tip you can take to the bank to make sure your process is easy while getting the best mortgage… Every year you gather together paperwork for doing your tax returns things like; receipts, explanations, paystubs and W-2s. 70% of this information…

How to evaluate buying a rental property

By Scott Sheldon / September 6, 2016

Buying a rental property can be very lucrative and sound financial vestment. Here’s how to determine whether not buying a rental property with financing makes sense. Location, location, location Location for the property is critical. It is often thought a rental property is more dollars and cents transaction with less focus on location. While this…

Waiting for rates to drop on a new mortgage?

By Scott Sheldon / August 31, 2016

It’s no secret interest rates are the main driver of the nation’s loan volume. Fixed rate mortgages are currently sub 4%. Here is why waiting for a better rate could be risky could move… The markets will continue to move The pricing associated with interest rates moves daily, in some cases multiple times per day.…

Getting a mortgage is still not an easy process

By Scott Sheldon / August 25, 2016

Well it might appear as though getting a mortgage is easier than it was a few years ago, the process is still dicey.  It is no secret in the industry the majority of loans do not close on time. Here’s what you need to know if you’re going to be getting a mortgage in the…

Why harp refinances are dwindling

By Scott Sheldon / August 18, 2016

One of the financial programs aimed at homeowners wishing to refinance in the economic downturn was Making Homes Affordable Harp 2. The program to this day allows people to refinance even if they are underwater. Here’s what you should know about this program… How the program works If you took out your loan May 31,…

3 things you must have for a mortgage loan

By Scott Sheldon / August 4, 2016

If you’ve never bought a home before or it has been many years since your last mortgage transaction, you’ll need to freshen up on the basics. What lenders look for… The 3 c’s Cash-this one is a biggie. You need to have cash to buy a house pure and simple. Gone are the days of…

Should you refinance your house with a direct-mail mortgage offer?

By Scott Sheldon / July 31, 2016

Many homeowners are often inundated by the amount of junk mail offers they receive each month. Here is what to think about if you’re considering refinancing with a direct-mail solicitor… Confusing pitch You receive a letter in the mailbox about a refinance offer saying the mortgage offer is a fixed rate loan with an ultra…

Does your credit score really drop when applying for a mortgage?

By Scott Sheldon / May 30, 2016

If you are hesitant to apply for a mortgage because you think your credit score will drop, think again. Here is what happens when you apply for a mortgage and get your credit pulled… Many online articles would have you believe your credit score automatically drops when you apply for a loan. This is not…