The Mortgage Files

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

How To Avoid Monthly PMI With Less Than 20% Down

By Scott Sheldon / June 21, 2014

Buying a primary home?  The 20% down rule is yesterday’s news. More down payment options exist, including both government and private sector alternatives, allowing more flexible choices. Don’t be fooled however, as most of the programs that allow for less than 20% down include PMI, an added premium built into the mortgage payment. If you…

Self-Employed? What To Watch For When Lenders Calculate Your Income

By Scott Sheldon / April 20, 2014

Since the inception of qualified mortgages this year, the process to successfully to close on a mortgage has been compliant heavy by industry standards. Such is especially true if you own your business. It’s no mystery there is a general consensus amongst business owner consumers, banks do not make ability to qualify easy for the…

Big Shoes To Fill With FHA's Back To Work Program

By Scott Sheldon / April 7, 2014

Announced in 2013, the FHA Back To Work Program allows  a buyer repurchase a primary home again just 12 months after a foreclosure, short sale or a deed in lieu of foreclosure. Extended through September 30, 2016, program aims to fulfill a lofty goal-offering families a second chance at homeownership. The proof however, is in the…

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…

How To Buy A House With No Down Payment And No Monthly PMI

By Scott Sheldon / March 17, 2014

Considering the possibility of buying a home this year? Contrary to popular belief, you need not have a down payment to get your foot in the door. Tips to avoid monthly private mortgage insurance… Ways To Get The Keys What you’ll need: a good credit score, at least 700 credit score or better with a…

5 Tips For Getting A Mortgage To Buy A Condo

By Scott Sheldon / March 10, 2014

Condominiums make an affordable alternative to purchasing a single-family home. As prices continue to rise in Sonoma County and Santa Rosa, purchasing a lower-priced condo makes for an attractive choice in pursuing home ownership. Quick Terms PITI– an acronym for principal, interest, taxes, and insurance. This is also your total mortgage payment which includes the…

What To Know When Buying A Flipped Home

By Scott Sheldon / March 2, 2014

House hunting? If your appetite for a turnkey renovated home is a flipped house, you may end up jumping through more hoops to close escrow. What Is A Flipped Home? A flipped property is a situation where the house is acquired usually by a real estate investment company (also could be an individual) and is re-offered…