The Mortgage Files

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

How your interest free consumer debt may be keeping you from buying a home

Instagram Test Blog Post w/ Embed

By sonomacountym / May 15, 2023

If I had an instagram video post that I just HAD to put on the site, I’d probably just write a blog post on the same topic, and embed the instagram video content as a part of that post. I don’t think I’d use it as an excuse to make a shorter post really ……

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Should you refinance to become more lendable?

Should you refinance to become more lendable?

By sonomacountym / October 16, 2022

Most families who own homes generally don’t want to refinance unless they can lower their interest rate, pay off debt, consolidate obligations, and/or fix up their homes. Those are all tangible benefits associated with refinancing your home. There are some other things you might want to consider particularly if your situation has some financial obstacles……

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5 practical ways to improve purchasing power when buying a home

Ways to handle a mortgage payment when buying a home

By sonomacountym / September 11, 2022

Consumers who are preapproved and looking to buy a home are sometimes getting shell shock as relates to the mortgage payment. The rate, the purchase price, and the cash-to-close may change the cost to buy a home. Here are things you might want to do if you are buying a house… We are presently in…

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how to time when to buy a home

What you need to know when paying off debt to buy a home

By sonomacountym / November 28, 2017

Here’s what you need to know if you’re trying to pay off debt before buying a home Paying off debt to buy house can absolutely be beneficial. Debt cripples a would-be home buyer’s ability to afford a mortgage payment. Here is how you should strategically look at paying off debt to buy a home… Mortgage…

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bank statement program for getting a mortgage

How much does it cost to refinance your mortgage?

By sonomacountym / November 14, 2017

If you’re trying to refinance your mortgage you should know what the costs are really are going to be and how they play into the mathematical equation of the total picture. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to refinancing your house and paying fees… When you refinance your house your closing costs…

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Why Refinancing Today Trumps Waiting for Lower Rates Tomorrow

How your mortgage fees are accounted for when refinancing

By sonomacountym / November 6, 2017

When you refinance your mortgage, someone is on the hook for paying fees. Who Following are the only ways loan fees can be accounted for when refinancing…. When you refinance your home closing costs are an inevitable component that must be paid for the transaction to successfully fund and close escrow. Here are the two…

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4 common home buyer mistakes to avoid

Why Sonoma County Housing Prices will continue to rise

By sonomacountym / October 22, 2017

Sonoma county housing was already limited prior to the Tubs and Nuns fires. This year has shown a scenario more reflective of large demand with little supply. This economic shift has created a competitive market place for home buyers driving prices up subsequently making it challenging to purchase a home. In the aftermath of the…

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3 ways you cannot get a mortgage

How to spot a ridiculous mortgage offer

By sonomacountym / October 17, 2017

You’ve seen them on the internet and in your mail box, the too good to be true mortgage offer. Here is the truth with regards to mortgage offers that seem too attractive… Mortgage lenders are required to disclose interest rate and APR. Most typically have the fine print at the bottom of the offer in…

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