The Mortgage Files

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

The only 5 guaranteed ways to boost borrowing power

By Scott Sheldon / March 8, 2018

Interest rates are on the rise and the cost of funds is now hovering just below 5% on the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. Following are tried and true techniques you can use to improve your mortgage borrowing power. Paying off debt This one is huge. Minimum payments on car loans, student loans, credit cards and…

How mortgage borrowers can hurt their chances for obtaining credit

By Scott Sheldon / March 2, 2018

Avoid these common credit blunders when applying for home loan The mortgage industry relies on accurate credit reporting to make credit decisions when granting people home mortgages. Here’s some of the things that can hurt your mortgage chances and how to not only your credit score, but your odds of getting approved… With the amount…

The new Sonoma County housing and mortgage rate market

By Scott Sheldon / February 22, 2018

The Sonoma County real estate market has changed considerably in the last few years. If you’re going to be purchasing or refinancing a house here is what you need to know… The median house price in Sonoma County is $670,000 brought on by a few factors. Primarily, the Sonoma County housing market over the course…

How you skip a payment when you refinance

By Scott Sheldon / February 16, 2018

Refinancing your house is a big decision and requires careful consideration of the mortgage loan program, interest rate, fees and more importantly the longer-term financial goals. Here’s what really happens when you refinance your house and skip a payment… Mortgage interest is calculated in arrears. Put another way, when you make mortgage payment due on…

10 tried and true ways you could hurt your home loan

By Scott Sheldon / February 12, 2018

Getting a mortgage is not an effortless process, it is just not. The loan process today is an extremely compliant and very bureaucratic process that requires proof of one’s ability to repay that mortgage. Following is ten things you will want to avoid when seeking a home mortgage loan… 1. Refusal to provide documentation. The…

Did you know the credit score you need to get a mortgage is less than 600?

By Scott Sheldon / February 5, 2018

The credit score to get a mortgage to buy a house is a lot less than you think. Here’s what the magic credit score is and what options you have available if your credit score is not the greatest and you’re looking to purchase or refinance a home… Despite what you read on the internet…

Is waiting to apply for a mortgage after taxes the right move?

By Scott Sheldon / January 30, 2018

During this time of year, it’s customary for borrowers to feel the need to apply for a mortgage after they file their tax returns. Unfortunately, this is more of an emotional desire than a practical one for most would be mortgage borrowers. Lenders do not need your tax returns necessarily for a loan application unless…

Here is an easy way to save thousands in mortgage interest expense without refinancing

By Scott Sheldon / January 21, 2018

If you hate your mortgage as much as everyone else does, this article is for you. One of the things people hate about home mortgages is the amount of interest they pay over the total term of the loan. Following is a strategy to help you pay off your house faster without breaking your pocket…