The Mortgage Files
Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.
Homebuying Tips for June 2024: How to Qualify in Today’s Market
What It Takes to Be a Homebuyer in June 2024 Buying a home is a significant milestone, but in today’s market, it requires careful preparation and strategic planning. As of June 2024, the housing market, particularly in Sonoma County, California, presents unique challenges and opportunities for prospective buyers. This post aims to guide you through…
Read MoreFHA vs. Conventional Loans—Which Costs Less in the Long Run?
When securing a mortgage for your home, choosing between an FHA loan and a conventional loan is a critical decision that could impact your financial strategy and long-term goals. Both loan types have distinct advantages and limitations, particularly regarding down payment requirements, seller credits, and private mortgage insurance (PMI). Down Payment Differences: One of the…
Read MoreHow to buy a home from family without needing any cash
Have you ever considered buying a house from a family member? It’s a unique opportunity that comes with its own set of benefits and challenges. Whether you’re purchasing your childhood home from your parents or acquiring a property from a grandparent, understanding the ins and outs of this process is essential for a successful transaction.…
Read MoreHow to avoid a contingent offer to buy a new home without selling your current home first
Buying a new home while still owning your current home can be a challenging process, especially in today’s market. When you want to purchase a new home without selling your current home first, you may be required to make a contingent offer. A contingent offer means that the purchase of your new home is dependent…
Read MoreNew Mortgage Loan Limits for 2023
The Federal Housing Finance Agency announced on Tuesday, November 29th the new loan limits for 2023. The new conforming loan limit has increased and has been year over year 7 years in a row. If you’re thinking about purchasing or refinancing a home in 2023 here is what you need to know… The loan limit…
Read MoreHow to avoid getting a jumbo loan due to Coronavirus
Securing mortgage loan financing right has become a little bit of a challenge for some families desiring to borrow money. Here are some considerations you need to be aware of if you’re looking for a jumbo mortgage during the coronavirus pandemic… If you’re looking to mortgage a house and the size of a loan that…
Read MoreCOVID_19 How a mortgage forbearance works
As the coronavirus continues to worsen and make life difficult for many families, one risk is the loss of income due to being furloughed or temporarily laid off. Here is what you need to know about a forbearance, what it is and how it works. You are obligated to repay the money that you borrowed…
Read MoreHow to get a mortgage if you’ve been furloughed to do to COVID_19
The coronavirus has undoubtedly created a significant amount of challenges for mortgage companies and families across America. Some lenders are changing credit score requirements, others are pulling out of the market entirely, and others are making restrictions on what types of loans they will fund. If you are in the process of getting a mortgage…
Read More