The Mortgage Files

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

Going backwards trying to save for a home?

By Scott Sheldon / March 23, 2017

  Do you need help saving to buy a house? What you think you need and what you actually need may not be the same. Here is what you should know when saving for a home. In order to purchase a home, you need at least 3.5% for a down payment. Another option is Down…

Is a 50 year mortgage a good move?

By Scott Sheldon / March 16, 2017

Are you looking to afford a mortgage? A 50 year mortgage may be an option, but here are some things to consider when looking at a long mortgage term. These loans are not bought and sold by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. They are smaller banks and portfolio lenders that offer unique financing and as…

Are we in a housing bubble?

By Scott Sheldon / October 25, 2016

As prices continue to climb many are wondering if there’s going to be a pop similar to the financial crisis.  Here is the reality of mortgage and housing market… The financial crisis was brought on by the subprime meltdown. The subprime mortgage products that were available led to the financial collapse of America and the…

Buy a condo or a single family home?

By Scott Sheldon / April 8, 2016

When the time homes to buy your first home, you will have options galore. Here’s how to decide if you should purchase a single-family home or a more affordable condominium unit. Undoubtedly, buying a home is without doubt the largest financial decision you’ll probably make in your lifetime. It is critical to make sure the…

4 Things Banks Won’t Tell You About Mortgages

By Scott Sheldon / July 24, 2015

As the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau strives towards creating more transparency within the mortgage industry, these truths remain. Here are four things you won’t hear from your bank at loan application… ‘You Can Get a Better Deal Elsewhere’ Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac publish mortgagee guidelines banks use to originate loans, in order to ultimately…

How To Prevent Common Surprises In The Mortgage Loan Process

By Scott Sheldon / May 7, 2015

All too often, the water cooler talk circulates and the stories about mortgage companies dropping the ball become ingrained with would be borrowers and the real estate community alike. How to stop changes before they happen… Rates & Loan Fees Change Fees changing and rising, sting the most. Nothing is more frustrating for a consumer…

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…