The Mortgage Files

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

Why Does Your Mortgage Loan Disclosures Show Higher Closing Costs?

By Scott Sheldon / November 11, 2013

In most cases the closing costs are not actually higher, although they appear that way due to accounting for reoccurring costs such as mortgage interest, property taxes and fire insurance. Before we dive into the nuts and bolts let’s go over closing costs…. Re-occurring Vs. Non-reoccuring Closing Costs Recurring Closing Costs: are the carrying costs…

How Much Of Your Income To Be Saving For Buying A House

By Scott Sheldon / November 10, 2013

  Buying a house is still a pivotal point in life. Your funds play a key role in your ability to get a loan. If you’re serious about buying a house or will be, how much of your income you should  be saving to realistically get the keys… Ask Yourself Shorter Term Or Longer Term?…

Looking To Refinance An Investment Property, not Harp 2 Eligible?

By Scott Sheldon / November 4, 2013

If  you’re looking to refinance an investment property in Santa Rosa or the Sonoma County surrounding area and your loan is not owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, the property will have to appraise for market value. Here’s the catch, investment properties require a minimum of 20% equity as well as other lending criteria.…

Best Loan Choices For Remodeling Your Sonoma County Home

By Scott Sheldon / November 3, 2013

Home-equity has reappeared for many Sonoma County homeowners, making home improvement projects a reality. Redoing the kitchen, adding on a bathroom, how about replacing the roof? All of these and can be a pricey investment. Here are three ways to cut the mustard… Top 3 Loan Solutions Home-equity line of credit a.k.a. HELOC– the program…

Current Conforming Loan Limits Supports No Change Comes Spring 2014

By Scott Sheldon / October 27, 2013

  As of October 24, acting director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Ed DeMarco announced there would be no mortgage limit reduction til at least Spring 2014. Industry changes support current conforming loan limits extending through Spring 2014. How the data adds up..  Top 3 Financial Factors Support Keeping Loan Limits Status Quo…

Quick Way To Determine How Much Your House Must Appraise At To Refi

By Scott Sheldon / October 20, 2013

As house prices continue to rise, the chance to refinance is ever more present considering favorable rates are still at historical lows. One the biggest dilemmas Sonoma County homeowners face is having a favorable appraisal valuation to refinance. Simple calculation any homeowner can do… *Divide your current principal loan balance by .8,  doing so will…

Why does my lender keep sending me loan disclosures?

By Scott Sheldon / October 16, 2013

Mortgage lenders are under incredibly tight protection laws from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, CFPB.  As a result, lenders must send disclosures every single time there is a change to the loan amount, loan program, fees, apr,  any aspect of the payment including principal and interest, taxes, insurance or mortgage insurance, think  of it like…

Is The Shutdown Stopping Sonoma County Mortgage Fundings?

By Scott Sheldon / October 9, 2013

The shutdown has spooked many people about whether or not they will be able to secure financing for buying a home or refinancing a mortgage. While these concerns are certainly valid, it’s going to depend on your individual mortgage company, bank or mortgage broker on how your loan may or may not be affected. The…