The Mortgage Files

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

What to know about low score mortgages

By Scott Sheldon / July 26, 2016

Credit scores play a vital role in your ability to get a home mortgage. Here’s what you need to know if you are applying with a low credit score… First things first credit scores are used to predict the likelihood of a payment default in the next 60 days. A lower credit score will result…

How to score a jumbo mortgage with less than 20% down

By Scott Sheldon / July 5, 2016

Looking to finance a big mortgage? Here’s some tips you can take to the bank… Most jumbo investors still have tight credit guidelines. Jumbo loans are any residential mortgage sizes greater than the county high balance loan limit. In Sonoma County, CA the maximum loan size for a single-family home is $554,300 making anything larger…

Can you really afford the home? Here is what banks will not share

By Scott Sheldon / June 21, 2016

Just because the bank will let you buy more does not mean you should. Be a well informed home buyer by taking the following tips into consideration when making the big ticket decision… Banks are for profit. They make money by making loans and it is up to you the consumer to decide when, how…

How saving plays a role in your home buying plan

By Scott Sheldon / June 14, 2016

Saving up to buy a home is no easy feat. Here’s what you should take into consideration when planning out a home purchase. One of the key components of being able to successfully buy a home is having enough cash for a down payment plus closing costs. Generally, you’ll need at least $20,000 to buy…

Is down payment assistance worth it to a buy a home?

By Scott Sheldon / June 6, 2016

If you’re looking to buy a house with little or no cash your options may be limited. Here is what you need to know to get your foot in the door, successfully… Down payment assistance programs Down payment assistance can be sponsored by a local state or government entity or entity grant. Essentially, down payment…

Does your credit score really drop when applying for a mortgage?

By Scott Sheldon / May 30, 2016

If you are hesitant to apply for a mortgage because you think your credit score will drop, think again. Here is what happens when you apply for a mortgage and get your credit pulled… Many online articles would have you believe your credit score automatically drops when you apply for a loan. This is not…

How to buy a home and finance the repairs at the same time

By Scott Sheldon / May 5, 2016

You’re preapproved; suddenly a home matching your criteria pops up on the market. Then it hits you, the house needs a ton of work. Here are things to consider when the house you’re trying to buy house needs tender loving care… The reality is resale homes may need work including everything from a new roof,…

New underwriting guidelines coming June 25 may change your mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / April 28, 2016

New changes coming to Fannie Mae’s automated underwriting system June 25 could change the way you get a mortgage. Here’s how… Fannie Mae has announced the way they look at credit is about to change for all loan applications dated June 25, 2016 or after. Lenders use Fannie Mae’s automated underwriting system (Desktop Underwriter) for…