The Mortgage Files

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

Lending guidelines just got easier for conventional traditional mortgages

By sonomacountym / September 26, 2017

If you’re in the market for a mortgage and you are paying alimony, the guidelines just got easier to allow you to get a mortgage. Here’s how the new guideline will benefit you if you’re paying alimony… Previously, most mortgage companies would take an alimony payment obligation and use this debt against your income. Last…

These two factors drive your mortgage cost

By sonomacountym / September 19, 2017

These two factors have the biggest influence on the cost of your mortgage. There are two things can change the cost of your mortgage when buying or refinance a home more than you think. Here’s what you need to know when trying to secure the best possible mortgage for your family. The two factors that…

How to decide when it’s time to get a cosigner

By Scott Sheldon / September 13, 2017

How to decide when it’s time to get a cosigner for your mortgage Securing mortgage financing with a unique scenario can be a challenging endeavor. If your income is not enough or your monthly expenses gobble up most your income a cosigner may be in order. Here is how to determine when you really need…

Here is why you should not be worried about buying at the top of the market

By Scott Sheldon / September 6, 2017

Most US housing markets are supporting little inventory and big demand creating a favorable environment for sellers. If you’re thinking about buying a house and you’re worried you’re buying at the top of the market look at the bigger picture… If we were to rewind the clock to 2012 everyone was petrified about purchasing a…

The truth about how credit scores relate to mortgages

By Scott Sheldon / August 29, 2017

Credit scores are incredibly important when secure a mortgage financing. They are however only one leg of a four-leg table. Here’s what to remember about credit scores and home loans. *Credit scores for jumbo mortgages need to be at least 680 or more *Credit scores can be as low as 620 for a conforming loan…

How to pick the right mortgage loan program for your situation

By Scott Sheldon / August 17, 2017

With the proliferation of new home buying programs being introduced into the market consumers today have more choices for securing financing than ever before. Here is how to pick what mortgage loan program for your unique financial profile… Know this-take peoples thoughts and opinions with a grain of salt. Before you start looking at loan…

What kind of home buyer are you?

By Scott Sheldon / August 15, 2017

Buying a home whether it be your first home or even a second home should be done with prudence and care. You should be looking at homes that you have a shot of getting. Here’s why… In many markets, there is a lack of supply and big demand for housing. This scenario is creating multiple…

Here is something most married folks do not realize when applying for an FHA Loan

By Scott Sheldon / August 8, 2017

Today’s world of mortgages is made up by two sorts of loans government backed loans and government insured loans. Government insured loans are hugely popular. The FHA Loan is the benchmark government loan appealing to many due to its flexible guidelines and lower down payment options. Here is one pitfall you need to know if…