The Mortgage Files
Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.
Why the Media is Not Your Friend When It Comes to Mortgage Rates
When it comes to understanding mortgage rates, relying solely on media sources can be misleading. The best barometer for where mortgage rates truly stand is the actual source: FreddieMac.com. This is the entity that buys the loans made and sold by mortgage aggregators. When you see headlines claiming that interest rates are lower or have…
Read MoreHomebuying Tips for June 2024: How to Qualify in Today’s Market
What It Takes to Be a Homebuyer in June 2024 Buying a home is a significant milestone, but in today’s market, it requires careful preparation and strategic planning. As of June 2024, the housing market, particularly in Sonoma County, California, presents unique challenges and opportunities for prospective buyers. This post aims to guide you through…
Read MoreWhy your income is the biggest driver of purchasing power
When it comes to purchasing a home, your monthly income is the most influential factor, surpassing even your credit score and available cash. Understanding how your income impacts your purchasing power is essential for aspiring homeowners. Let’s explore this concept with practical examples and actionable insights. Consider this scenario: You earn $100,000 annually, and based…
Read MoreHow to determine which mortgage loan program is best based on your credit score
Choosing the right mortgage is crucial when you’re looking to finance your dream home. Two popular options are FHA loans and conventional loans, each with its own set of guidelines and requirements. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key differences between FHA and conventional loans, focusing on credit scores and how recent updates in…
Read MoreHere is a smart mortgage strategy for buying a home in 2023
If you’ve been on the fence about buying a home and you’re thinking about potentially getting prequalified. Here are some things you should give some consideration to… You might be telling yourself “I don’t want to buy a home right now because interest rates are kind of high.” The question becomes in relation to what?…
Read MoreWhat’s the lowest credit score to get a home loan?
There is a significant amount of inaccurate information online and in the real estate community about the credit score needed to get a home loan to purchase or refinance a home. Talk to one company they’ll tell you XYZ, talk to another company they’ll tell you something else entirely, talk to another company, and you…
Read MoreHow Covid_19 completely changed mortgage rates
It is no surprise Covid has influenced mortgage interest rates in the last 12 months. The coronavirus and its effect on the economy in particular the financial markets have been unprecedented, to say the least. Here’s how covid changed interest rates and what you can expect going forward if you’ve been thinking about refinancing a…
Read MoreCan you get a mortgage with a brand new job or a recent raise?
One of the most important things consumers have to deal with when securing mortgage loan financing besides having a good credit score and a good down payment is having income to actually offset the proposed liability i.e, a mortgage payment. Income is single-handedly the most important thing because it drives affordability. Lenders and banks know…
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