The Mortgage Files

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

Why A Low Rate Loan Is Not Always The Most Affordable

By Scott Sheldon / May 10, 2014

Other factors beyond the rate can drive up a your projected new monthly mortgage payment. Such adjustments include private mortgage insurance (PMI for short) and the term of the loan sought. A lower rate loan adjusting for mortgage insurance and a shorter term debt structure will make for a higher payment. What to be aware…

Why Your Second Job May Not Cut It For A Mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / May 4, 2014

You have a great credit score, manageable debts, solid income even have cash ready to go, but you still can’t a mortgage. Want a lender to count your second job income? Know these lending stipulations… How Lenders Classify Second Job Income A second job is usually classified as an additional income when qualifying a consumer…

Discharge A House In Bankrupcty? Not So Fast If You Want A Loan

By Scott Sheldon / April 27, 2014

If you have had a previous bankruptcy and lost a home in the last few years, the road to getting a new loan could be treacherous. Contrary to popular belief, for the purposes of obtaining mortgage credit, you cannot discharge home bankruptcy. What you must aware of getting a mortgage if you tried to discharge…

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…

Loophole To Show More Income When Buying A Home

By Scott Sheldon / April 13, 2014

Buying can be considered simplistic, in a broad sense, income is used to offset a mortgage payment (a liability). One of the biggest obstacles home buyers will continually face despite market swings is showing enough income to offset other payment obligations (consumer debts) as well as a proposed housing payment. When these numbers don’t add…

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…

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…