The Mortgage Files

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

3 Things You Unequivocally Must Have To Buy A Home

By Scott Sheldon / September 10, 2015

Here are three things you must have to buy a home in today’s competitive real estate market… $20,000 of cash-The market has radically changed and in many markets across the country, sellers are in control. You’ll need at least $20,000 of your own funds or have access to $20,000 to buy a home successfully. $10,000…

Does My Loan Type Hurt My Credit Score?

By Scott Sheldon / February 28, 2015

Future favorable financing deals, low rates and preferred credit offerings all will be available depending on how well you manage the grandaddy credit type: a mortgage loan. Generally, when you take out a mortgage on home, you can expect a sharp and noticeable increase in all three credit scores, just by virtue of making a…

Can I have two FHA Loans out at the same time?

By Scott Sheldon / August 20, 2013

Yes you can. Here’s the best possible scenario to have to FHA Loans out at the same time. You purchased your home originally with an FHA Loan, put 3.5% down and now your situation has changed. Any one the following is makes sense with FHA: perhaps your business is such that you need a bigger…

Why FHA Streamline Refinancing Is Over

By Scott Sheldon / October 14, 2012

Anyone who has purchased a home in Sonoma County with an FHA Loan has probably thought about refinancing with today’s incredibly low mortgage rates. One of the main advantages of refinancing under the FHA is the ability to take part in their Streamline Refinance Program. In a nutshell, the program allows those who have a…

How To Get A Mortgage Loan Post Short Sale, Foreclosure or Bankrucpty Revisited

By Scott Sheldon / June 10, 2012

Not a week goes by when we are not asked “how soon can you buy a home or refinance a mortgage with a previous foreclosure, short sale or bankruptcy”. As the market continues to improve, many people are still seeking mortgage loans. Home buying opportunities have never been more affordable coupled with the low interest…

Understanding FHA Home Loans

By Scott Sheldon / November 13, 2010

The two types of loans offered by a local mortgage lenders are conventional loans and FHA Home Loans. We are going to be discussing FHA insured loans and some of the changes the Federal housing finance agency has put into place for local lender financing. As a local Santa Rosa mortgage lender, I can offer…