The Mortgage Files

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

The factors that determine your loan fees

By Scott Sheldon / January 5, 2017

Costs to secure your financing are a big factor when it comes time to getting a mortgage. Knowing why your loan costs (X) dollars is critical in being able to better understand how lenders price loans in the marketplace. This is what you need to know… All loans have fees. All fees are paid for by…

Which option makes the most sense for cash out refinancing?

By Scott Sheldon / November 25, 2016

If you have the need to borrow money, but you don’t want to tap your assets cash out refinancing your home could be a good move. Here’s what to consider when determining what option for cash out refinance your home makes the most financial sense… Generally, when expense such as needing a new roof, or…

6 questions every lender will ask

By Scott Sheldon / November 14, 2016

Like it or not when you apply for a mortgage you’re going to go through financial scrutiny. How well your financial picture is in order will determine an easy, slow or difficult process. Here’s what you need to know when your file is reviewed… Mortgage underwriting in today’s environment is a very bureaucratic process. The…

Are we in a housing bubble?

By Scott Sheldon / October 25, 2016

As prices continue to climb many are wondering if there’s going to be a pop similar to the financial crisis.  Here is the reality of mortgage and housing market… The financial crisis was brought on by the subprime meltdown. The subprime mortgage products that were available led to the financial collapse of America and the…

When Should I Lock-In My Mortgage Rate?

By Scott Sheldon / November 10, 2015

Not sure when to lock your interest rate on your mortgage? Here’s a few things to consider in getting the best possible combination of rate and price… The biggest things that determine the final rate and pricing are: loan size occupancy loan program i.e. Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, VA credit score property type loan to value…

Here’s An Unconventional Way To Pay Off Your Home Faster Without Changing Terms

By Scott Sheldon / September 14, 2015

Most strategies to pay off your home involve making radical principal prepayments or moving to a shorter-term debt structure. Here is a way to refinance your home using your lender’s money. Quick Finance Lesson: Lenders generate more revenue on higher interest rate loans. The catch is, the additional revenue is not kept by the lender,…

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…