The Mortgage Files

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

Find A Sonoma County Real Estate Loan EVEN If You Are Unemployed

By Scott Sheldon / February 12, 2012

Yes you can actually get a Sonoma County real estate loan, if you are unemployed. Think it’s crazy? You bet it is! Unemployment is defined as the people who are receiving unemployment benefits from the government when proactively seeking employment. This is the standard description of unemployment. There is another factor of unemployment to consider…

Home Buying Sonoma County: Paying Off Debt To Qualify

By Scott Sheldon / January 29, 2012

If you are in the process of home buying or even refinancing a Sonoma County Home, and are using mortgage loan financing your monthly reoccurring debts are going to be used in determining your maximum mortgage amount you can qualify for. This will ultimately determine whether not your loan is approved and subsequently funded. In…

The Role of Second Mortgages In Refinancing

By Scott Sheldon / November 14, 2011

The role of the second mortgage in a refinance situation can sometimes be a challenging obstacle to overcome. Second mortgages usually come in the form of a (HELOC) home equity line of credit or an equity line behind a first mortgage secured against a primary residence, second home or investment property. As values in Sonoma…

640 is the Magic Credit Score For Getting A Mortgage Loan These Days

By Scott Sheldon / October 28, 2011

As we all know getting a mortgage loan today can be challenge. Dealing with adverse credit can be somewhat unpleasant, but necessary to procure mortgage financing. The credit score is an indicator of how likely you are to default on a monthly debt obligation in the next three months. The higher the credit score the…

Homebuying 101: How Monthly Debt Affects Your Purchasing Power

By Scott Sheldon / October 19, 2011

Are you considering buying a house? If yes, your monthly debt obligations play at significant role in your ability to qualify for a mortgage loan. So the next time you are contemplating purchasing a great new car or truck, be aware of the fact the new auto loan payment will reduce your ability to get…

Mortgage Tip: Increase Your Credit Score

By Scott Sheldon / October 17, 2011

So you went ahead and applied for a mortgage loan and you’re all geared up to refinance refinance at today’s fantastic interest rates and your lined up to be preapproved to purchase a house. Your income is good, your assets is good, you got two years on the job, and even don’t have much debt.…

FHA Condos VS. PUD's

By Scott Sheldon / October 3, 2011

Thinking about buying a condominium or unit in a planned unit development? If yes, first off congratulations on deciding to get preapproved to purchase real estate. The best areas in Sonoma County for condominiums are Rohnert Park followed by a Santa Rosa. Sometimes the property you might be looking at is really a planned unit…

Foreclosure Vs. Short Sale Know The Risks

By Scott Sheldon / September 28, 2011

For any homeowners who are in the predicament of choosing a short sale versus a foreclosure, this information is for you. Many people will tell you to just let the property go to foreclosure and in some cases that is the best route, but more often than not, a short sale makes more sense for…