The Mortgage Files

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

How do I use the Delayed Financing Rule ?

By Scott Sheldon / December 15, 2012

I am currently in Florida, in a closing debacle with Suntrust Mortgage and want to cash out our savings and just close the home purchase and be done with the process, then try to recoup funds through some type of refi or home equity product. I have been informed by our realtor of this Delayed…

Why is My Home Loan Rate 3.5%, but my APR is 3.793

By Scott Sheldon / December 11, 2012

The difference in the interest rate and the annual percentage rate is the spread expressed as a dollar finance over the life of the loan. The aPR is always going to be higher than the mortgage rate because the APR, is a function of the total closing costs express as a dollar percentage over the…

What Santa Rosa mortgage can I use to purchase an income property?

By Scott Sheldon / December 2, 2012

This depends if you meet the eligible requirements to purchasing an investment property. The best Santa Rosa mortgage would allow you to put 20% down and use fair market rents to offset the purchase price. Additionally, most investors look at using a 30 year fixed rate mortgage to improve cash flows and provide the highest…

Why People Cannot Qualify For Mortgages

By Scott Sheldon / November 18, 2012

Ever been enticed by via low mortgage rate only to find out you don’t measure up to the credit standards of that particular lender? Unfortunately it happens every day. The good news  only 40% of people cannot qualify, that means there is 60% of the people who can. Nevertheless, following are common way  your loan…

What Sonoma County loan programs are available for little or no down payment?

By Scott Sheldon / November 6, 2012

Great question There are several different programs which would help you decide on purchase price, and monthly payment and certainly loan qualifying. The minimum down payment to purchase a house anywhere in Sonoma County’s 3.5% which would be on an FHA insured government loan program. If your income is $92,000 per year or lower, and…

6 Reasons To Buy Income Property Now!

By Scott Sheldon / November 1, 2012

This real estate market is continuing to produce many fantastic opportunities including a very make sense approach to purchasing income property. Decide where to invest your your cash… 6 Reasons Income Buying Property Makes Sense 1. Low Mortgage Rates– even for investment properties, continue to remain low creating a favorable mortgage payment. It’s not uncommon…

How Much Income Do You Need To Buy A House?

By Scott Sheldon / October 8, 2012

Home Loans are made against your ability to repay. While the mortgage loan is secured against the house, it is really made against your income. That’s what mortgage lenders are look for, income to offset liabilities. Yes, a house payment is liability for a borrower. Oftentimes, there is a disparity between how much house you…

How Your Fico Score Affects Your Ability To Get A Mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / September 30, 2012

“Why can’t I get the interest rates I see advertised on the Internet.” One of the most important characteristics of securing a mortgage is your Fico Score. Simply put, the lower the credit score higher the interest rate. How Your Fico Score rates is what determines both your eligibility for the mortgage as well as…