The Mortgage Files

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

How To Prevent Common Surprises In The Mortgage Loan Process

By Scott Sheldon / May 7, 2015

All too often, the water cooler talk circulates and the stories about mortgage companies dropping the ball become ingrained with would be borrowers and the real estate community alike. How to stop changes before they happen… Rates & Loan Fees Change Fees changing and rising, sting the most. Nothing is more frustrating for a consumer…

What's the best way to determine a breakeven on a santa rosa refinance loan?

By Scott Sheldon / January 6, 2015

This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, but the most common way is to take the monthly savings you generate by refinancing your home and divide it into the capital idea closing costs required to complete the refinance. If you can breakeven in 2 to 3 years, this in most cases is normal…

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…