The Mortgage Files

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

Single-story beige suburban home in Sonoma County with a 'For Sale' sign in the front yard, neatly landscaped lawn and bushes, under a clear blue sky

Why days on market (DOM) matters for Sonoma County home buyers

By Scott Sheldon / July 1, 2025

If you’re on the hunt for a home in Sonoma County, you might have noticed listings aren’t flying off the shelves as quickly as they were—yet the pace is still brisk. In May 2025, homes typically went pending in about 37 days, about six days longer than last year. That extra time isn’t just a…

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A side-by-side visual comparison of a modern Sonoma County home and a more rustic Lake County home, illustrating real estate affordability differences.

Can’t Afford Sonoma? Why Lake County Might Be the Smartest First-Time Buyer Move in 2025

By Scott Sheldon / June 19, 2025

Can’t Afford Sonoma? Why Lake County Might Be the Smartest First-Time Buyer Move in 2025 If you’ve been eyeing a home in Sonoma County but feel like the numbers just aren’t penciling out, you’re not alone. The truth is, while Sonoma County remains highly desirable, nearby Lake County might just be the hidden gem that…

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Car payments vs owing a home

Car Payments and Home Buying Power: How $700/Month Can Cost You $100,000

By Scott Sheldon / April 17, 2025

How a Car Payment Could Cost You $100,000 in Home Buying Power When you’re house hunting in today’s market, every dollar counts — and sometimes, it’s not your income holding you back from qualifying, it’s your monthly liabilities. One of the biggest culprits? Your car payment. You wouldn’t believe how often I see someone with…

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