The Mortgage Files
Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.
Why getting a 30 year fixed rate mortgage is a smart financial move
If you’re purchasing or refinancing a house the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was and is currently the staple of the broader mortgage market. The 30-year mortgage has its pros and cons and here is what you should know when looking at a 30-year mortgage, so you can decide what makes the most financial sense for you.…
Read More about Why getting a 30 year fixed rate mortgage is a smart financial move4 common home buying mistakes to avoid
When begin talking to lender about getting preapproved, you’re going to go through tons of emotions including the ultimate deciding factor whether you should buy a home or stay put. Here are the following things to avoid falling prey to prior to closing escrow on your house. Don’t get wrapped around the purchase price of…
Read More about 4 common home buying mistakes to avoidHow child support and alimony can affect your ability to get a mortgage
How child support and alimony can affect your ability to get a mortgage When you apply to purchase or refinance a home the mortgage lender takes into consideration all your monthly fixed expenses, adds them into your housing payment and creates what’s called a debt to income ratio. Also called payment to income ratio which…
Read More about How child support and alimony can affect your ability to get a mortgageHow to plan optimal the time to buy a rental property
Buying a rental property may or may not help you qualify for financing. Here’s what you need to know to get the most amount of bang for your buck in when buying a rental… Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have a formula that they take into consideration including depreciation, mortgage interest paid to banks, taxes,…
Read More about How to plan optimal the time to buy a rental propertyThe number one factor that can drive your mortgage cost up (hint not credit)
Purchasing or refinancing a home requires a certain degree of time, commitment and paperwork. Here is one factor that can make your mortgage more expensive … The simple answer is time. Time is not on your side when it comes to an escrow. The mortgage process is a very bureaucratic and compliant process and borrowers…
Read More about The number one factor that can drive your mortgage cost up (hint not credit)6 common home buyer mistakes to avoid when purchasing a home
Purchasing a house Sonoma County is easier now more than ever. However, with the average-priced house penciling in at $700,000 purchasing a house is going to require careful planning to put your best foot forward. Here are some things to consider if you want to purchase a house… Get pre-approved first. Getting pre-approved by a…
Read More about 6 common home buyer mistakes to avoid when purchasing a homeHow 1031 tax-deferred exchanges work
A 1031 tax-deferred exchange is a deferred exchange in the gain of an investment property used to acquire another investment property. Make no mistake this is a deferment where you’re kicking the can of the paying the property taxes obligation to some point in the future when you sell the property. Here is an example…
Read More about How 1031 tax-deferred exchanges workHow to transfer property to family and still be protected under Prop 13
Proposition 13 was enacted in 1978 by voters to limit the amount of property-taxes the homeowner pays. Prop 13 protect your property taxes from increasing by more than 2% per year. It protects properties that rise in value. Following are the biggest concerns mortgage borrowers have when it comes time to keeping property taxes low……
Read More about How to transfer property to family and still be protected under Prop 13