The Mortgage Files

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

A scenic suburban neighborhood in Sonoma County, California, with diverse homes surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills. Overlaid bold white text reads, “Buying a Home in Sonoma County in 2025: Income, Prices & Market Truths.”

Navigating Sonoma County’s Housing Market in 2025: What Buyers Need to Know

By Scott Sheldon / April 24, 2025

Sonoma County Home Buying in 2025: Navigating Economic Uncertainty and Affordability As a mortgage loan officer with two decades of experience, I’ve seen the housing market ebb and flow. In 2025, Sonoma County presents a unique blend of opportunities and challenges for prospective homebuyers. Economic uncertainties, fluctuating interest rates, and affordability concerns are at the…

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How Much Can Refinancing Really Save You on Debt?

How Much Can Refinancing Really Save You on Debt?

By Scott Sheldon / April 22, 2025

Breaking Free from High-Interest Debt: How Refinancing Can Lighten the Load In 2025, many American households are grappling with the weight of credit card debt. With interest rates soaring and balances climbing, the financial strain is palpable. However, refinancing offers a viable path to relief, potentially transforming high-interest obligations into manageable payments.​ The Current Debt…

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Car payments vs owing a home

Car Payments and Home Buying Power: How $700/Month Can Cost You $100,000

By Scott Sheldon / April 17, 2025

How a Car Payment Could Cost You $100,000 in Home Buying Power When you’re house hunting in today’s market, every dollar counts — and sometimes, it’s not your income holding you back from qualifying, it’s your monthly liabilities. One of the biggest culprits? Your car payment. You wouldn’t believe how often I see someone with…

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Line graph showing U.S. mortgage rate fluctuations in 2025 with key economic events like inflation spikes and Fed policy shifts annotated for context

What’s Driving the Volatility and What Comes Next?

By Scott Sheldon / April 15, 2025

Mortgage Rates in April 2025: What’s Driving the Volatility and What Comes Next As of April 2025, mortgage rates are experiencing notable fluctuations, reflecting the broader economic uncertainties. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has hovered around 6.6% to 6.85% in recent weeks, influenced by various macroeconomic factors. Key Factors Influencing Current Mortgage Rates Federal…

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Now or later?

Should You Buy a Home Now Or Wait for Lower Rates in 2025?

By Scott Sheldon / April 10, 2025

Should you Buy a Home Now at 6.5% to 7% Interest, or Wait? Let’s address the elephant in the room: mortgage interest rates. If you’re asking, “Are rates going to drop soon, or should I buy now at 6.5–7%?” you’re not alone. This question is everywhere right now, and honestly—it’s a fair one. Rates have…

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Down Payment assistance

Down Payment Assistance Programs in California: What You Need to Know in 2025

By Scott Sheldon / April 9, 2025

What Down Payment Assistance Programs Are Available—and Do I Qualify? If you’re trying to buy your first home and wondering how to come up with a down payment, you’re not alone. With higher home prices and interest rates in the 6.5% to 7% range, more buyers are actively searching for help with their down payment…

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Scott Sheldon's The Mortgage FIles Blog

Non-QM Loans Explained: Flexible Mortgage Options for Unique Borrowers!

By Scott Sheldon / April 4, 2025

Not every borrower fits neatly into the traditional mortgage box—and that’s okay. Whether you’re self-employed, investing in rental properties, have complex income streams, or experienced credit hiccups, there are still options available. That’s where non-QM loans come in. Non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) loans are designed for borrowers who don’t meet the standard income, credit, or documentation…

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"Bold white text on a deep blue background reading 'Why Mortgage Rates Vary Between Lenders'"

Why “Cheaper” Isn’t Always Better: The Real Story Behind Mortgage Pricing and Underwriting

By Scott Sheldon / April 2, 2025

Let’s get real for a second: mortgage pricing isn’t as wide open as most people think. Sure, it’s tempting to chase the lowest rate you see online or the lender who claims to save you $50 a month, but here’s the deal most borrowers never hear — mortgage lenders, for the most part, are all…

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