The Mortgage Files

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

Is USDA Eligible For A Santa Rosa Rosa Mortgage?

By Scott Sheldon / September 10, 2014

No,unfortunately it’s not, the USDA mortgage loan program, is only eligible in certain parts of Sonoma County. Santa Rosa, California is not considered to be a less densely populated area according to US Department of Agriculture. Additionally, Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Cotati, and Penngrove are also not USDA eligible. If you are looking for a…

Jumping Through Hoops To Get A Mortgage? Here's A Quick Fix

By Scott Sheldon / September 8, 2014

Ever here one of those stories in the break room how getting a mortgage is difficult? “I had to jump through so many hoops to get my mortgage, it was ridiculous. They keep asking me for financial information, I swear I already provided them.”  Reality check-obtaining a mortgage is no easy feat these days no…

How The Size Of Your Mortgage Is Impacted By Your Credit Score

By Scott Sheldon / September 1, 2014

Looking to finance larger loan size? If you plan on being in the market for a mortgage loan $417,000 or larger, your credit score along with your equity will play an important role in your ability to get approved for a  jumbo sized home loan.  What you’ll need to know if you’re looking for a…

Your Deferred Student Loan May Impact Your Mortgage Chances

By Scott Sheldon / August 24, 2014

The cost of your educational isn’t just interest you pay on student loans, no, in fact, an ulterior cost also lurks in the mix, mortgage ineligibility. A deferred student loan usually be will be counted against your income when you apply for the big ticket debt. If you have student loan or multiple student loans,…

How Much Skin In The Game To Buy A House

By Scott Sheldon / August 17, 2014

Looking to get your foot in the door? If you’re tired of paying someone else’s mortgage, now may be the time to pursue the American dream of homeownership. In fact, you need not put down 20% either. Those days are long gone. While you can always elect to put down the full 20% or more,…

How To Buy A Home By Refinancing Another

By Scott Sheldon / August 10, 2014

An important home buying hurdle you’ll need to over is the relationship between the proposed new housing payment and current liabilities against your monthly pre-tax income. The payment to income ratio on debts, including other debt houses you own, play a vital role for the mortgage broker determining how much house you can bite off.…

6 Actions To Make Your Credit Score Mortgage Worthy

By Scott Sheldon / August 4, 2014

If you have been turned down for a mortgage or quoted rates and fees that seem too high, you may have some homework ahead. The minimum credit score to land a mortgage is 620. If you have the capacity, and are in the position to do so, these credit actions may help save your credit…

Are Credit Reporting Services Accurate For Getting A Mortgage?

By Scott Sheldon / August 2, 2014

No, credit reporting service companies want you to feel like you’re in control of your credit score. Some services even allow you to run statistical tests to see what actions you can take to improve your credit score, but these are by no means a guarantee especially when it comes to obtaining a mortgage. Let’s…