The Mortgage Files

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

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How Much Down Payment Percent You Need To Buy A Home

By Scott Sheldon / August 27, 2015

Consumers looking into the possibility of buying a home should know you need less money than you think. Here’s the amount of cash you need to buy a home, and what you need to know using as little down as possible… Cash Needed Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need 20% down. The minimum down…

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The Way Lenders Price & Quote Mortgages

By Scott Sheldon / August 12, 2015

Here is why your interest and fees may be different than you what you saw in the news. How rates and risk based pricing affects your loan…. Mortgage Ads & The Media When you see ultra attractive loan offers or hear the media touting the latest development in interest rates, take it with a grain…

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How Solid Is Your Loan Pre-Approval?

By Scott Sheldon / July 30, 2015

If you hear a lender toting they can preapprove you in just a few minutes, stop and run in the other direction- fast. A real pre approval is much more than a loan application and credit report. What to know before jumping into a home… A Traditional Pre Approval Includes The Following: you’ve submitted an…

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How To Land A Mortgage Post Loan Modification

By Scott Sheldon / April 24, 2015

If you completed a loan modification in the past, you’ll need to meet certain credit thresholds to get a green light for a new loan. What to know… What Is A Loan Modification? A loan modification also known as a restructured mortgage is a loan in which the original terms of the transaction changed resulting…

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The Things You Need To Buy A Home Beyond Your Income

By Scott Sheldon / March 15, 2015

Buying a home? You will need need patience, resilience to rejection, and sound financial planning, if are serious about pulling it off. Your income is important, but the rest of your financials need to be in order as well. What you’ll need… You need not earn gobs of money to be successful in purchasing a…

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Pre-approved and House Hunting? How Maternity Leave Factors Into The Mix

By Scott Sheldon / November 9, 2014

Looking to buy a home with a munchkin on the way? The details of your temporary leave may impact your ability to perform when you identify a home. Here’s what you need to know when taking a maternity leave of absence and how a home loan lender will view your income status… Current Income Or…

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What? Another pre-approval?

By Scott Sheldon / October 31, 2010

If you are thinking about purchasing a home in Sonoma County be prepared to play the game for another pre-approval. The Sonoma County real estate market is dominated by REO otherwise commonly referred to as bank owned property. These unsold homes sitting on the market are oftentimes controlled by the big banks like Chase, Bofa…

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