The Mortgage Files

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

FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums Now .85%

By Scott Sheldon / January 15, 2015

The mortgage insurance premiums on FHA loans has now been reduced .85%. This represent more borrowing ability for mortgage consumers looking to purchase or refinance their homes. On a loan of $300,000 that’s an annual reduction of $1350, or $112.50 per month respectively. Thinking about refinancing your current FHA loan from a few years ago? …

Can I buy a house if I have a rental late payment?

By Scott Sheldon / January 2, 2015

No you cannot have a rental late in the last 12 months if you are gunning to buy home. Mortgage lenders may do what’s called a verification of rent (VOR)-to make sure you have not had a late payment in the last 12 months if you have this very well might derail your loan. Additionally,…

Should I work with a mortgage broker or a mortgage lender?

By Scott Sheldon / December 28, 2014

Depends-primarily on who you feel comfortable with. Let’s be honest, this is the largest transaction most people ever take on in their entire life and should be handled with somebody who knows what they’re doing. A mortgage broker does not control their own money. Instead they act as an intermediary between you the borrower and…

How Much Are Closing Costs Going To Be On A Home Purchase?

By Scott Sheldon / December 24, 2014

This can change based on the purchase price of the homefor example if you’re looking at a house in Sonoma County, and the purchase price is $500,000 you can assume $10,000 for closing costs plus the down payment. When you buy a house down payment is always independent of the closing costs. In other words…

Are There Any More First Time Home Buyer Loans?

By Scott Sheldon / November 4, 2014

Unfortunately not, there is no specific Santa Rosa or Sonoma County first Time home buyer program available anymore. Down payment assistance options come in the form of pulling money out of retirement accounts such as stocks, bonds, IRA and 401(k) options. Another fantastic source for a down payment is gift funds. Many potential homebuyers are…

Is USDA Eligible For A Santa Rosa Rosa Mortgage?

By Scott Sheldon / September 10, 2014

No,unfortunately it’s not, the USDA mortgage loan program, is only eligible in certain parts of Sonoma County. Santa Rosa, California is not considered to be a less densely populated area according to US Department of Agriculture. Additionally, Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Cotati, and Penngrove are also not USDA eligible. If you are looking for a…

Why Is My Financed Loan Amount On My FHA Loan Bigger?

By Scott Sheldon / July 28, 2014

Buying or refinancing a home? An FHA loan much like a USDA loan, has two forms of mortgage insurance. There is an upfront mortgage insurance premium, UMFIP for short, which is based upon 1.75% of the base loan amount ( difference between the down payment amount or appraised value relative to equity) which is then…

Can I roll the fees into my loan when buying real estate?

By Scott Sheldon / April 17, 2014

When you decide to purchase a home, you’ll have certain hurdles to overcome separate from the real estate purchase negotiation. Down payment Depends on which loan program you can qualify for what the property occupancy is. Assuming you’re purchasing a primary home- down payment can be as little as 3.5% or in some cases 0%…