The Mortgage Files

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

Why We Won't See 5% Mortgage Rates Any Time Soon

By Scott Sheldon / January 5, 2015

The direction of mortgage interest rates drive the housing market. We’ve been spoiled with ultra-low rates the last few years with many experts predicating  2014 was going to be the year of 5% rates, they were wrong. Here’s why we’re not going to be seeing 5% mortgage rates anytime soon. Ability To Procure Credit Reality…

Why Hiding Income From Your Lender Is A Bad Idea

By Scott Sheldon / November 16, 2014

Applying for a home loan? Omitting, hiding, manipulating or not showing income, may be a gray area with your mortgage company. What to know… When you apply for a home loan, there are specific income documentation requirements, all lenders will require to fund on a mortgage . This includes: Two most recent years income tax…

This Mortgage Cost No Longer Makes Financial Sense

By Scott Sheldon / October 6, 2014

For anyone who got a mortgage in the last few years with little equity, most are all-too-familiar with mortgage insurance, the added premium built into the mortgage payment insuring the lender against payment default. Measured over time, it can cost you thousands. The facts you must know… Zero Tax Advantages For years mortgage borrowers got…

How To Buy Out An Ex-Spouse From A Home

By Scott Sheldon / July 6, 2014

Stuck paying for a house that’s no longer yours? Buying your spouse out of a property can be dicey especially, if both parties are not in agreement with one another on the debt and equity objectives. Following are ways, to separate and pay off an ex-spouse when getting a mortgage. Divorced Or Separated? If you…

Why A Low Rate Loan Is Not Always The Most Affordable

By Scott Sheldon / May 10, 2014

Other factors beyond the rate can drive up a your projected new monthly mortgage payment. Such adjustments include private mortgage insurance (PMI for short) and the term of the loan sought. A lower rate loan adjusting for mortgage insurance and a shorter term debt structure will make for a higher payment. What to be aware…

Why Its Not Cheaper Or Easier To Refinance With Your Mortgage Holder

By Scott Sheldon / March 31, 2014

Planning to refinance your house? Deciding through the advertisements, telephone solicitations, direct mail can be mean endless choices. Opting to try your mortgage holder? If yes, buyer be aware offers to good to be true. What to know about your mortgage holder’s offer… *For anyone who has refinanced their home or bought a home since…

Home Equity Is Back In Sonoma County- Mortgage Options Follow

By Scott Sheldon / March 28, 2014

Unlike in years past, the Sonoma County Real Estate Market continues to show strong appreciation gains. Homeowners who were upside down in 2011-2012, now have home-equity as the demand for real estate continues, despite stale inventory. If you own a house, you now have choices to protect, preserve or leverage your newly acquired home-equity. 6 Mortgage Options…

3 Credit Scores No Longer Necessary For Mortgage Lending

By Scott Sheldon / January 19, 2014

The standard set by the lending industry is three credit scores are needed for obtaining a mortgage. Reality? That requirement is no longer  the ‘benchmark’. Securing a mortgage without three credit scores is doable, here’s how.. Credit Score Per Bureau The basis for how lenders view the credit, is the degree of likelihood of a…