The Mortgage Files

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

Illustration of an orange two-story house next to a green dollar sign, a blue calculator, and stacked coins, with bold text above reading “Income is the key to home affordability,” symbolizing the role of income in determining home buying power.

Why Income Drives Buying Power More Than Credit or Cash

By Scott Sheldon / July 8, 2025

When it comes to buying a home, most people focus on credit scores and down payments. Those two things matter—but if you ask any experienced loan officer what really determines how much home you can afford, the answer is simple: income. Income is the engine behind your buying power. It determines how much a lender…

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Single-story beige suburban home in Sonoma County with a 'For Sale' sign in the front yard, neatly landscaped lawn and bushes, under a clear blue sky

Why days on market (DOM) matters for Sonoma County home buyers

By Scott Sheldon / July 1, 2025

If you’re on the hunt for a home in Sonoma County, you might have noticed listings aren’t flying off the shelves as quickly as they were—yet the pace is still brisk. In May 2025, homes typically went pending in about 37 days, about six days longer than last year. That extra time isn’t just a…

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