The Mortgage Files

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

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…

2 Most Crucial Factors For Securing A Low Mortgage Rate

By Scott Sheldon / January 5, 2014

It’s not surprising interest rates are on the rise as the fed has committed to reducing their mortgage bond buying starting this month. There is an array of factors affecting a mortgage rate things like;  home occupancy, loan type, and even property type. Two factors carry the most weight when shopping mortgages… How Lender Sees…

Current Conforming Loan Limits Supports No Change Comes Spring 2014

By Scott Sheldon / October 27, 2013

  As of October 24, acting director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Ed DeMarco announced there would be no mortgage limit reduction til at least Spring 2014. Industry changes support current conforming loan limits extending through Spring 2014. How the data adds up..  Top 3 Financial Factors Support Keeping Loan Limits Status Quo…

Is The Shutdown Stopping Sonoma County Mortgage Fundings?

By Scott Sheldon / October 9, 2013

The shutdown has spooked many people about whether or not they will be able to secure financing for buying a home or refinancing a mortgage. While these concerns are certainly valid, it’s going to depend on your individual mortgage company, bank or mortgage broker on how your loan may or may not be affected. The…

Is Your Current Mortgage Rate Higher Than 4.375%? Time To Make A Move

By Scott Sheldon / April 8, 2013

The majority of homeowners refinancing today are looking for one common net tangible benefit; a lower cost mortgage. Gone are the days homeowners had to refinance due to a variable-rate-payment change or strong inflationary factors. Everyone wants to save money, key is deciding when to make a prudent move at the right time. If you’re…

How Higher Mortgage Rates Affect Payment

By Scott Sheldon / February 10, 2013

Purchasing a home or refinancing a home loan?  If the interest rate is not locked, be prepared to watch the market very closely with your mortgage company. On closing escrow: Shorter term -consider moving into locking status as rates are volatile Longer term -take the position of floating as strong economic indicators point to improving…

Comparing Mortgages: Why Typical Rate Shopping Is Subjective

By Scott Sheldon / January 27, 2013

As mortgage rates remain favorable, more consumers are rate savvy and rightfully so. Everybody wants to make sure they’re getting a competitive combination of rate and  associated costs in their purchase or refinance loan. Comparing mortgages, doing true apples to apples comparisons can be quite time-consuming and nonetheless labor-intensive. Typical Way Consumers Shop Mortgages Most…

Will "Qualified Mortgages" Help Consumers?

By Scott Sheldon / January 13, 2013

On January 10, 2013, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau unveiled new rules to help protect consumers from unscrupulous mortgage lending. These rules implement underwriting criteria what constitutes a “qualified mortgage”.  As long as the mortgage lender meets certain criteria, the consumer cannot sue a lender for not verifying income, providing a loan to a consumer…