The Mortgage Files

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

5 Simple Reasons You Are Being Denied A Mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / February 21, 2015

Gearing up to refinance or buy a home this year?  These five nuances may stop your financial plans dead in the tracks. Here’s what to know to avoid your mortgage loan application being denied… Your Credit Score Is Not What You Think It Is Happens every day. A consumer will get one credit score from…

Will My Disability Income Count For Getting A Mortgage?

By Scott Sheldon / January 25, 2015

If you have an alternative income from a work-related injury or a long-term injury, the devil is in the details when it pertains to how, if or when any of your income you’re collecting could be used to get a mortgage. Things to keep in mind when applying… What We Mean By Disability Benefits Disability…

5 Factors To Think About When Refinancing

By Scott Sheldon / December 14, 2014

Mortgage rates are now the lowest level we’ve seen in the last 17 months ago. If you can save money by refinancing your mortgage or have been putting it off, you owe yourself to explore your options. Here’s the five setbacks to know before pulling the trigger… The 1% Rate Reduction Rule Most finance experts…

Carrying A Rental Property May Hurt Your Mortgage Chances

By Scott Sheldon / May 25, 2014

Do you own rental property? If yes, and you’re looking to borrow money with a new mortgage, your gain or loss identified by your tax returns may help or hinder your chances of procuring favorable credit. Lenders can use up to 75% of the rents generated, however, if there is a history of rental losses,…

Do Tax Losses On Closed Business Hurt My Chances To Qualify For A Mortgage?

By Scott Sheldon / April 5, 2014

No as long as the business is actually closed it should not hurt your ability to qualify from an income standpoint. For example let’s say you opened up the side business a couple of years ago, claimed some monetary losses on http://bayarearealestatetrends.com/your tax return, but have subsequently closed the business. Lender will not need to…

Should I Pay For An Appraisal To Refinance My Home?

By Scott Sheldon / April 2, 2014

Yes, an appraisal is the only way to determine what your home is worth if your loan is not owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac eligible for Harp 2 Refinance. Rewind the clock a couple of years, Sonoma County homeowners had very little equity many were even upside down as real estate sales were…

Home Repairs To Improve Value?

By Scott Sheldon / June 2, 2013

Home equity has come roaring back. Many, can now refinance,  others, are in a better position to sell as the intense demand for real estate continues. Everyone wants to attain maximum value for their home. So what’s the best indicator of a home’s worth?  Simple: the amount a ready, willing, and able buyer is willing…

$72,000 Income: How Much House Payment Can I Qualify For?

By Scott Sheldon / February 22, 2013

This it depends on all four factors of creating a mortgage, credit, debt, income and assets. Assuming you have the necessary assets for down payment and/or reserves in the bank and your credit score is considered good, let’s look at the meat and potatoes, is there enough income to offset all monthly liabilities? How the…