The Mortgage Files
Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.
Did you know the credit score you need to get a mortgage is less than 600?
The credit score to get a mortgage to buy a house is a lot less than you think. Here’s what the magic credit score is and what options you have available if your credit score is not the greatest and you’re looking to purchase or refinance a home… Despite what you read on the internet…
Read More about Did you know the credit score you need to get a mortgage is less than 600?Is waiting to apply for a mortgage after taxes the right move?
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…
Read More about Is waiting to apply for a mortgage after taxes the right move?New tax bill 2018- why people should refinance their equity lines and second mortgages
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…
Read More about New tax bill 2018- why people should refinance their equity lines and second mortgages2 things to watch for buying a house in 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,…
Read More about 2 things to watch for buying a house in 2018What you need to know when paying off debt to buy a home
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…
Read More about What you need to know when paying off debt to buy a homeHere is the dicey reality of renting vs buying in Sonoma County
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…
Read More about Here is the dicey reality of renting vs buying in Sonoma CountyHow much does it cost to refinance your mortgage?
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…
Read More about How much does it cost to refinance your mortgage?How your mortgage fees are accounted for when refinancing
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…
Read More about How your mortgage fees are accounted for when refinancing