The Mortgage Files

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

How Rising Incomes and Smart Strategies Can Help You Buy a Home in Sonoma County

By Scott Sheldon / June 19, 2024

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions many will make in their lifetime. As home prices continue to rise, so too does the level of income needed to qualify for a mortgage. This is particularly true in places like Sonoma County, California, where the picturesque landscapes and high quality of life…

Homebuying Tips for June 2024: How to Qualify in Today’s Market

By Scott Sheldon / June 13, 2024

What It Takes to Be a Homebuyer in June 2024 Buying a home is a significant milestone, but in today’s market, it requires careful preparation and strategic planning. As of June 2024, the housing market, particularly in Sonoma County, California, presents unique challenges and opportunities for prospective buyers. This post aims to guide you through…

How Interest Rates Are Impacting Home Buyers and Sellers

By Scott Sheldon / June 6, 2024

Interest rates are a critical component of the housing market, influencing the behaviour of both home buyers and sellers. As of mid-2024, the interest rate environment is characterized by moderate increases due to efforts by the Federal Reserve to combat inflation. This blog post will delve into the current state of interest rates, their impact…

FHA vs. Conventional Loans—Which Costs Less in the Long Run?

By Scott Sheldon / June 2, 2024

When securing a mortgage for your home, choosing between an FHA loan and a conventional loan is a critical decision that could impact your financial strategy and long-term goals. Both loan types have distinct advantages and limitations, particularly regarding down payment requirements, seller credits, and private mortgage insurance (PMI). Down Payment Differences: One of the…

Understanding Mortgage Rates and Their Impact on Home Buying Power

By Scott Sheldon / May 8, 2024

Navigating the world of real estate financing can often feel like trying to hit a moving target, especially with the constant fluctuations in mortgage rates. Following is how to break down the often complex relationship between mortgage rates and home buying power, helping you understand how these changes can impact your pursuit of the American…

How to avoid a contingent offer to buy a new home without selling your current home first

By Scott Sheldon / March 14, 2024

Buying a new home while still owning your current home can be a challenging process, especially in today’s market. When you want to purchase a new home without selling your current home first, you may be required to make a contingent offer. A contingent offer means that the purchase of your new home is dependent…

Here is a smart mortgage strategy for buying a home in 2023

By Scott Sheldon / June 11, 2023

If you’ve been on the fence about buying a home and you’re thinking about potentially getting prequalified. Here are some things you should give some consideration to… You might be telling yourself “I don’t want to buy a home right now because interest rates are kind of high.”  The question becomes in relation to what?…

How to avoid getting a jumbo loan due to Coronavirus

By Scott Sheldon / April 22, 2020

Securing mortgage loan financing right has become a little bit of a challenge for some families desiring to borrow money. Here are some considerations you need to be aware of if you’re looking for a jumbo mortgage during the coronavirus pandemic… If you’re looking to mortgage a house and the size of a loan that…