The Mortgage Files

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

How buying a condo may carry the same mortgage payment as a single family home

Buying a piece of land and put a home on it

By Scott Sheldon / February 20, 2022

People are always trying to find additional ways to reduce their costs when buying a home. Maybe that means buying a lower price point or changing to a condominium instead of a single-family house. Another segment of the market in most people’s home search journey considers the possibility of buying a piece of land and…

Read More
New Fannie Mae rule for using social security income to get a mortgage

Federal reserve hikes interest rates

By Scott Sheldon / January 30, 2022

Probably the biggest misnomer in mortgage finance is what consumers’ interest rates do when the Federal Reserve hikes interest rates up. The Federal Reserve is trying to control and stimulate the economy or slow down the economy based on economic conditions. What they do or don’t do, does influence mortgage rates. But it is not…

Read More
What's going to happen with interest rates in 2022

What’s going to happen with interest rates in 2022

By Scott Sheldon / January 2, 2022

One of the big questions on the minds of consumers looking to purchase or refinance a home is what’s going to happen with interest rates in 2022. Interest rates, while they remain at historical lows, may experience some movement in 2022. Here’s what you should come to expect if you’re going to be buying a…

Read More
sonoma county housing and rates

The new Sonoma County housing and mortgage rate market

By Scott Sheldon / February 22, 2018

The Sonoma County real estate market has changed considerably in the last few years. If you’re going to be purchasing or refinancing a house here is what you need to know… The median house price in Sonoma County is $670,000 brought on by a few factors. Primarily, the Sonoma County housing market over the course…

Read More
be careful getting a mortgage with a bankruptcy

How much the debt in your life is costing you

By Scott Sheldon / February 10, 2017

Your ability to save money can become compromised by the financial obligations you are paying in your life. If you have a mortgage and consumer debts, this article will help you determine: Should you stay the course or take action to start getting control of your cash? The nuts and bolts of a good financial…

Read More