The Mortgage Files

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

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…

Why its a real estate problem, not a mortgage problem

By Scott Sheldon / October 20, 2021

If you’re trying to buy a home, you’re preapproved, and you’ve been making offers, but you keep losing out because you have multiple offers, here are some things you need to consider. 1st things 1st, this is provided that your loan is fully intact, that you are well qualified, and that the loan essentially is…

What’s happening with home appraisals

By Scott Sheldon / June 4, 2021

When you go to purchase or refinance a home you need to get an appraisal. More often than not you usually will be based on the type of transaction that you’re doing. Here is the reality of today’s world with regards to appraisals and what you should expect when you’re buying or refinancing a home……

Can you realistically buy a home with no money down?

By Scott Sheldon / May 5, 2021

In order to be successful in real estate, you need to take the advice of a good quality lender experienced in the local area in which looking to purchase. While it is possible to secure a no down payment program, closing on a home in this unique real estate market is another matter. Following is…

Mortgage rate too good to be true? It probably is…

By Scott Sheldon / August 18, 2019

So, you got a mortgage rate that sounds too good to be true but now you can’t close Mortgage rates are presently near their historic lows on 30-year fixed rate mortgage with the average 30-year fixed being between 3.375% and 4.125%. As such people are refinancing in droves taking advantage of the dip in rates.…

6 common home buyer mistakes to avoid when purchasing a home

By Scott Sheldon / August 20, 2018

Purchasing a house Sonoma County is easier now more than ever. However, with the average-priced house penciling in at $700,000 purchasing a house is going to require careful planning to put your best foot forward. Here are some things to consider if you want to purchase a house… Get pre-approved first. Getting pre-approved by a…

How to buy a home and finance the repairs at the same time

By Scott Sheldon / May 5, 2016

You’re preapproved; suddenly a home matching your criteria pops up on the market. Then it hits you, the house needs a ton of work. Here are things to consider when the house you’re trying to buy house needs tender loving care… The reality is resale homes may need work including everything from a new roof,…

These ridiculous things could be needed to buy a home

By Scott Sheldon / March 27, 2016

It is no secret getting approved for a mortgage loan requires a fair amount of paperwork. Here is what you should know if there if there is anything questionable in your past… When you apply for a mortgage for the first time or you’re a little rusty on the process, it’s reasonable to expect some…