The Mortgage Files

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

The Realities of Buying a Home That Needs Repairs: What You Should Know Before Making an Offer

By Scott Sheldon / October 22, 2024

You’re pre-approved for a mortgage and excited to begin your home search with your real estate agent. As you look for single-family homes, a common pattern may emerge—many homes may need some level of repair. Maybe the roof needs replacing, the gutters are old, or perhaps the exterior paint is peeling. It could be as…

The Hidden Risk of Lower Interest Rates: Why Refinancing May Not Be as Simple as It Seems

By Scott Sheldon / October 2, 2024

The Hidden Risk of Lower Interest Rates: Why Refinancing May Not Be as Simple as It Seems As the possibility of lower interest rates looms on the horizon, many homeowners and buyers are excited about the idea of refinancing their loans and saving on their monthly payments. However, there’s a risk that comes with those…

4 Signs You’re Not Ready to Buy a House

By Scott Sheldon / September 23, 2024

4 signs you’re not ready to buy a house when it comes to purchasing a home. It’s probably one of the highest-ticket purchases you’ll ever make in life, if not the most high-ticket purchase. You want to, of course, make sure that affordability is number one. This is primary, above all else. However, just because…

How to get an FHA mortgage with multiple jobs

By Scott Sheldon / September 11, 2024

When it comes to securing a mortgage through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), understanding the nuances of income qualification can be crucial, especially for those with multiple job streams. The FHA’s primary aim is to ensure that the income used to qualify for a mortgage is stable, predictable, and likely to continue. Here’s a deeper…

Why Your Lease is Not a Barrier to Homeownership

By Scott Sheldon / August 27, 2024

For many families considering buying a home, the belief that they cannot proceed because they are bound by a lease is a common misconception. Depending on your state, a lease is not necessarily a barrier to homeownership. If you’re renting and your rent payment is $3,000 a month with another six months left on your…

Why Waiting for the Perfect Mortgage Rate Might Cost You More Than You Think

By Scott Sheldon / August 14, 2024

Mortgage rates are constantly fluctuating, especially during periods of economic uncertainty or disruption, such as an upcoming election. As we approach the November elections, we can expect the markets to be more volatile, affecting both stocks and mortgage rates. Given these fluctuations, waiting for long-term interest rates to drop before refinancing may not be the…

VA Loans in Community Property States: How to Manage Spouse’s Credit and Debt in California

By Scott Sheldon / July 31, 2024

Navigating VA Loans in Community Property States: A Guide for Married Couples in Sonoma and Lake County, California Buying a home is a monumental step, and securing a VA loan can be a fantastic option for veterans looking to make that dream a reality. However, living in a community property state like California adds a…

Here is a formula to use to determine how much you might qualify for

By Scott Sheldon / July 24, 2024

Calculating Your Monthly Income for a Sonoma County Mortgage If you’re a first-time homebuyer in Sonoma County, knowing how to calculate your monthly income and determine your purchasing power is essential. With today’s mortgage rates around 6.5%, having a clear understanding of what you can afford is crucial. This guide will help you with the…