The Mortgage Files

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

5 credit mistakes to avoid when getting a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / July 10, 2018

You need to be on top of your game when getting a home loan. Your credit score is an integral part of being able to purchase a house or refinance a house. Here are some things to know when it comes to credit… The free credit score you get from Credit Karma or your bank…

What to look for in a mortgage lender when buying a home

By Scott Sheldon / July 3, 2018

Contrary to widespread belief not all mortgage companies work the same. Buying a house is generally thought of as the most important financial transaction of your life and as such should be handled with extreme care and prudence. You want to make sure you pick the right mortgage company and more importantly the right loan…

6 people whose mortgage and housing advice ought to be taken with a grain of salt

By Scott Sheldon / June 20, 2018

6 people whose mortgage and housing advice ought to be taken with a grain of salt Buying a home or refinancing a mortgage is incredibly important financial decision that requires careful planning and good timing. Fact of the matter is everyone has their opinion about what you you should and should not do. Here is…

Why the house that needs work should not be overlooked

By Scott Sheldon / June 11, 2018

If you’re purchasing a house whether it’s a primary home move up home or secondary home and the house needs work, don’t shy away from that. Here’s what you might want to think about when buying a house that needs some TLC… How bad really are the repairs? Just because you are pre-approved to purchase…

3 things you will never hear from a big internet mortgage lender

By Scott Sheldon / May 23, 2018

Working with an internet lender may or may not be in your best interests. Whoever you hire to help you with mortgage loan financing should be well-versed and experienced in mortgage financing. Here are 3 things you will never hear from an internet only lender…. If you don’t fit our programs, you probably will not…

Loan programs to look at with little or no down payment

By Scott Sheldon / May 15, 2018

Looking to buy a primary home or maybe a move up home, but don’t have any cash? Following are some programs they could be available to you to help you purchase a house… VA financing… if you are a military veteran you can purchase a house with no money down using a VA loan. The…

The percentage down to purchase a rental property might less than you think

By Scott Sheldon / May 9, 2018

To purchase a rental property the consensus down payment needed 20%. However, the requirement to purchase a rental property is much lower than you think. Here’s what you need to know if you’re buying a rental property…. To purchase a property for rental income purposes 15% down is the requirement. If you’re purchasing a rental…

5 reasons you will not be able to buy a house in Sonoma county

By Scott Sheldon / May 3, 2018

The Sonoma County housing market has an average housing price at 648,000. Housing prices in Sonoma County are indeed expensive. Following is what you need to know if you plan to buy a house in Sonoma County in the current market… 1. You don’t have a down payment or any access to cash. In a…