The Mortgage Files

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

Where should you go to refinance your mortgage?

By Scott Sheldon / February 10, 2021

With interest rates still at historically, low levels many homeowners are discovering they can refinance to lower their interest rate, drop PMI, pull cash out, or move to an aggressive shorter-term mortgage than ever before due to global and economic events presently happening in the coronavirus pandemic… Where to get your mortgage and more particularly…

How to get a mortgage with a forbearance due to Covid_19

By Scott Sheldon / February 3, 2021

One of the big challenges of the coronavirus pandemic is how it has shaped not the mortgage industry but also peoples’ financial ability to sustain mortgage payments. Credit risk is and was and is still currently an issue for many families and banks and lenders across the country. If you’re trying to refinance your mortgage…

3 elements you must have in your financial life to buy a home

By Scott Sheldon / January 27, 2021

2021 might be the year to purchase a home. With the combination of ultra-low interest rates buying a home could absolutely be something within your reach. Timing the market not a good idea, buying a home when your finances and cash and credit and income support generally makes sense if you have a buy and…

Should you buy a house or refinance the one you already own in 2021?

By Scott Sheldon / January 13, 2021

With fixed-rate mortgages still at historical levels, many are considering re-evaluating their home and financial situation. One strategy might be to remodel the house you presently have another might be to acquire a new house. Here are some things to consider when exploring both options so you and your family can weigh out what makes…

Why your side business makes getting a mortgage tougher

By Scott Sheldon / January 6, 2021

The reality of today’s mortgage market may come in the form of tough love. For many families purchasing or refinancing a home can make a huge financial impact on their life. Applying for and successfully get a home loan can be a bit tricky depending on your financial situation. Here are some things to just…

How you use your money make affect your mortgage options

By Scott Sheldon / December 30, 2020

If you want a mortgage you need to be prepared financially and have all your ample documentation set up and ready to go. One such thing you need to be aware of is using cash. Here’s how to best support your cash when using down payment monies and or reserves to purchase a home…. First…

How to make sure your mortgage application makes sense

By Scott Sheldon / December 23, 2020

Consumers securing mortgage loan financing today at times might be frustrated with the amount of paperwork needed to get their mortgage application signed off.  As a result, you must meet ATR which is ability-to-repay requirements to secure mortgage financing. As a result, some people depending on how technical their file is may experience more paperwork…

Why your granny unit might ding your mortgage application

By Scott Sheldon / December 17, 2020

People trying to refinance their mortgages to take advantage of favorable current market conditions might come to realize they have a problem with their house. A granny unit can be a wonderful opportunity to maintain a mortgage, drive affordability as part of the broader budget, however, if it’s not done in the right way, it…