The Mortgage Files

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

A modern two-story suburban home with blue-gray siding and white trim is shown at sunset, framed by a calm sky and soft lighting. Bold navy blue text over the image reads, “Here’s a Better Way to Think About It,” making it a visually inviting blog post header about real estate strategy.

Thinking of Lowballing Because the House Needs Work? Here’s the Reality.

By Scott Sheldon / July 15, 2025

Here’s a Better Way to Think About It If the home just hit the market—say it’s been listed for less than 30 days—it’s still considered “fresh.” In that case, offering within 5% of the list price is a good rule of thumb if you want to be taken seriously and still have room to negotiate.…

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A scenic suburban neighborhood in Sonoma County, California, with diverse homes surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills. Overlaid bold white text reads, “Buying a Home in Sonoma County in 2025: Income, Prices & Market Truths.”

Navigating Sonoma County’s Housing Market in 2025: What Buyers Need to Know

By Scott Sheldon / April 24, 2025

Sonoma County Home Buying in 2025: Navigating Economic Uncertainty and Affordability As a mortgage loan officer with two decades of experience, I’ve seen the housing market ebb and flow. In 2025, Sonoma County presents a unique blend of opportunities and challenges for prospective homebuyers. Economic uncertainties, fluctuating interest rates, and affordability concerns are at the…

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