The Mortgage Files
Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.
Is waiting to apply for a mortgage after taxes the right move?
During this time of year, it’s customary for borrowers to feel the need to apply for a mortgage after they file their tax returns. Unfortunately, this is more of an emotional desire than a practical one for most would be mortgage borrowers. Lenders do not need your tax returns necessarily for a loan application unless…
Read More about Is waiting to apply for a mortgage after taxes the right move?Here is an easy way to save thousands in mortgage interest expense without refinancing
If you hate your mortgage as much as everyone else does, this article is for you. One of the things people hate about home mortgages is the amount of interest they pay over the total term of the loan. Following is a strategy to help you pay off your house faster without breaking your pocket…
Read More about Here is an easy way to save thousands in mortgage interest expense without refinancingWhy the credit score you think you have might not be correct for a mortgage
Consumers thinking about getting a mortgage should know where they stand. Here is what you might not know about your credit score when it comes to applying for a mortgage. The truth is not all credit reports are created equal. Many of the consumer credit reporting services that are available in the market place today…
Read More about Why the credit score you think you have might not be correct for a mortgageThese mortgage scenarios will almost always mean paying discount points
Discount point are nothing more than upfront head you pay to purchase a lower interest rate and subsequently a lower monthly payment. In some case the you may not have a choice to pay discount points. Following are those ways… It is reasonable to assume when refinancing with a lower than 660 credit score on…
Read More about These mortgage scenarios will almost always mean paying discount pointsHow your mortgage payment changes per every $100,000 in purchase price
One of the questions home buyers have when house hunting is the relationship between their monthly mortgage payment and how much purchase price they are looking to take on. Here’s what you can use as a guide when you’re house hunting to help determine that bridge that gap… In most instances, for every $100,000 of…
Read More about How your mortgage payment changes per every $100,000 in purchase priceFHFA Increases 2018 Sonoma County Loan Limits
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…
Read More about FHFA Increases 2018 Sonoma County Loan LimitsWhat you need to know when paying off debt to buy a home
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…
Read More about What you need to know when paying off debt to buy a homeHere is the dicey reality of renting vs buying in Sonoma County
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…
Read More about Here is the dicey reality of renting vs buying in Sonoma County