The Mortgage Files

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

Self-Employed? What To Watch For When Lenders Calculate Your Income

By Scott Sheldon / April 20, 2014

Since the inception of qualified mortgages this year, the process to successfully to close on a mortgage has been compliant heavy by industry standards. Such is especially true if you own your business. It’s no mystery there is a general consensus amongst business owner consumers, banks do not make ability to qualify easy for the…

Can I roll the fees into my loan when buying real estate?

By Scott Sheldon / April 17, 2014

When you decide to purchase a home, you’ll have certain hurdles to overcome separate from the real estate purchase negotiation. Down payment Depends on which loan program you can qualify for what the property occupancy is. Assuming you’re purchasing a primary home- down payment can be as little as 3.5% or in some cases 0%…

Loophole To Show More Income When Buying A Home

By Scott Sheldon / April 13, 2014

Buying can be considered simplistic, in a broad sense, income is used to offset a mortgage payment (a liability). One of the biggest obstacles home buyers will continually face despite market swings is showing enough income to offset other payment obligations (consumer debts) as well as a proposed housing payment. When these numbers don’t add…

Big Shoes To Fill With FHA's Back To Work Program

By Scott Sheldon / April 7, 2014

Announced in 2013, the FHA Back To Work Program allows  a buyer repurchase a primary home again just 12 months after a foreclosure, short sale or a deed in lieu of foreclosure. Extended through September 30, 2016, program aims to fulfill a lofty goal-offering families a second chance at homeownership. The proof however, is in the…

Do Tax Losses On Closed Business Hurt My Chances To Qualify For A Mortgage?

By Scott Sheldon / April 5, 2014

No as long as the business is actually closed it should not hurt your ability to qualify from an income standpoint. For example let’s say you opened up the side business a couple of years ago, claimed some monetary losses on http://bayarearealestatetrends.com/your tax return, but have subsequently closed the business. Lender will not need to…

Should I Pay For An Appraisal To Refinance My Home?

By Scott Sheldon / April 2, 2014

Yes, an appraisal is the only way to determine what your home is worth if your loan is not owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac eligible for Harp 2 Refinance. Rewind the clock a couple of years, Sonoma County homeowners had very little equity many were even upside down as real estate sales were…

Why Its Not Cheaper Or Easier To Refinance With Your Mortgage Holder

By Scott Sheldon / March 31, 2014

Planning to refinance your house? Deciding through the advertisements, telephone solicitations, direct mail can be mean endless choices. Opting to try your mortgage holder? If yes, buyer be aware offers to good to be true. What to know about your mortgage holder’s offer… *For anyone who has refinanced their home or bought a home since…

Home Equity Is Back In Sonoma County- Mortgage Options Follow

By Scott Sheldon / March 28, 2014

Unlike in years past, the Sonoma County Real Estate Market continues to show strong appreciation gains. Homeowners who were upside down in 2011-2012, now have home-equity as the demand for real estate continues, despite stale inventory. If you own a house, you now have choices to protect, preserve or leverage your newly acquired home-equity. 6 Mortgage Options…