The Mortgage Files
Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.
Can’t Afford Sonoma? Why Lake County Might Be the Smartest First-Time Buyer Move in 2025
By Scott Sheldon
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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…
Read MoreCar Payments and Home Buying Power: How $700/Month Can Cost You $100,000
By Scott Sheldon
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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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