The Mortgage Files

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

Mortgage inquiry make your credit score drop? Not so fast….

By Scott Sheldon / July 25, 2018

Mortgage loan officers hear daily from consumers they don’t want their credit score pulled because they’re worried about their credit score dropping. Unfortunately, the internet is full of information providing an over abundance of information to consumers yet does a poor job of educating people. Most articles you will see online are nothing more than click bait…

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…

These little lending nuances may help you land a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / June 26, 2018

Getting a mortgage in 2018 there is a bureaucratic and compliant process with a significant amount of paperwork involved. Following is some tips on various loan programs available in the marketplace you may not know… Conventional mortgages they will go up to a debt to income ratio of 50%. Here is the kicker if your…

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…

Watch out for these two sneaky mortgage practices

By Scott Sheldon / May 30, 2018

It’s no surprise the housing market has tight inventory and mortgage rates are on the rise. As the overall market continues to contract banks are coming up with innovative ways to elicit business. The following tricks are ethically questionable… The first trick banks use is associated with credit reporting. Mortgage companies must pull a copy…

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…

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…

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…