The Mortgage Files

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

FHFA Increases 2018 Sonoma County Loan Limits

By Scott Sheldon / December 7, 2017

The Federal Housing Finance Agency just released the new 2018 national loan limits. These loan limits provide increases in most counties throughout the United States. Here’s how the changes will benefit you when buying or refinancing a home. The loan limit increase changes the conforming loan limit from $424,100 to $453,100. This increase allows for…

What you need to know when paying off debt to buy a home

By sonomacountym / November 28, 2017

Here’s what you need to know if you’re trying to pay off debt before buying a home Paying off debt to buy house can absolutely be beneficial. Debt cripples a would-be home buyer’s ability to afford a mortgage payment. Here is how you should strategically look at paying off debt to buy a home… Mortgage…

Here is the dicey reality of renting vs buying in Sonoma County

By Scott Sheldon / November 20, 2017

Whether you buy a home or rent a home you will still have a housing payment obligation to make each month. The unfortunate reality in Sonoma County, CA is that in many cases you could be easily paying more in rent than you would for a mortgage. Not everyone who rents should be and not…

How much does it cost to refinance your mortgage?

By sonomacountym / November 14, 2017

If you’re trying to refinance your mortgage you should know what the costs are really are going to be and how they play into the mathematical equation of the total picture. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to refinancing your house and paying fees… When you refinance your house your closing costs…

Lending guidelines just got easier for conventional traditional mortgages

By sonomacountym / September 26, 2017

If you’re in the market for a mortgage and you are paying alimony, the guidelines just got easier to allow you to get a mortgage. Here’s how the new guideline will benefit you if you’re paying alimony… Previously, most mortgage companies would take an alimony payment obligation and use this debt against your income. Last…

These two factors drive your mortgage cost

By sonomacountym / September 19, 2017

These two factors have the biggest influence on the cost of your mortgage. There are two things can change the cost of your mortgage when buying or refinance a home more than you think. Here’s what you need to know when trying to secure the best possible mortgage for your family. The two factors that…

What kind of home buyer are you?

By Scott Sheldon / August 15, 2017

Buying a home whether it be your first home or even a second home should be done with prudence and care. You should be looking at homes that you have a shot of getting. Here’s why… In many markets, there is a lack of supply and big demand for housing. This scenario is creating multiple…

Why a car lease can harm your mortgage possibilities 

By Scott Sheldon / August 2, 2017

Unlike an auto loan, a lease is a short debt that contain a future pay off. Here is why a lease can hurt your chances of getting a mortgage… Lenders look at the minimum monthly obligations that you pay on your debts. They take those minimum payments and add those to a proposed total mortgage…