The Mortgage Files

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

Is waiting to apply for a mortgage after taxes the right move?

By Scott Sheldon / January 30, 2018

During this time of year, it’s customary for borrowers to feel the need to apply for a mortgage after they file their tax returns. Unfortunately, this is more of an emotional desire than a practical one for most would be mortgage borrowers. Lenders do not need your tax returns necessarily for a loan application unless…

New tax bill 2018- why people should refinance their equity lines and second mortgages

By Scott Sheldon / January 16, 2018

The new 2017 tax plan is spelling unwelcome news for mortgage borrowers who hold home equity lines of credit. Here is what to know if you have a home equity line of credit or a second mortgage on your home… What are home equity lines of credit? Home equity lines of credit are essentially enormous…

2 things to watch for buying a house in 2018

By Scott Sheldon / January 1, 2018

This local county housing market continues to evolve and show strong signs of growth and appreciation. Here is what you need to know if you are going to be buying a house in 2018… Two things to watch for is interest rates and home prices. Both heavily can affect your ability to borrow and ultimately,…

What you need to know when paying off debt to buy a home

By sonomacountym / November 28, 2017

Here’s what you need to know if you’re trying to pay off debt before buying a home Paying off debt to buy house can absolutely be beneficial. Debt cripples a would-be home buyer’s ability to afford a mortgage payment. Here is how you should strategically look at paying off debt to buy a home… Mortgage…

Here is the dicey reality of renting vs buying in Sonoma County

By Scott Sheldon / November 20, 2017

Whether you buy a home or rent a home you will still have a housing payment obligation to make each month. The unfortunate reality in Sonoma County, CA is that in many cases you could be easily paying more in rent than you would for a mortgage. Not everyone who rents should be and not…

How much does it cost to refinance your mortgage?

By sonomacountym / November 14, 2017

If you’re trying to refinance your mortgage you should know what the costs are really are going to be and how they play into the mathematical equation of the total picture. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to refinancing your house and paying fees… When you refinance your house your closing costs…

How your mortgage fees are accounted for when refinancing

By sonomacountym / November 6, 2017

When you refinance your mortgage, someone is on the hook for paying fees. Who Following are the only ways loan fees can be accounted for when refinancing…. When you refinance your home closing costs are an inevitable component that must be paid for the transaction to successfully fund and close escrow. Here are the two…

The new way to buy a house in Sonoma county

By Scott Sheldon / October 31, 2017

The recent fire disasters have created housing demand not seen in Sonoma County in many years. Prior to the fires, strong competition, coupled with limited supply best described the local market. Now that the fires have wiped out 5% of the Sonoma County housing market, the problem has intensified. Here is how to win… Be…