The Mortgage Files

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

Why Lower Mortgage Rates May Require More Income to Buy a Home in Sonoma County

By Scott Sheldon / June 11, 2026

When mortgage rates fall, most people immediately assume buying a home becomes easier. At first glance, that logic makes perfect sense. Lower interest rates generally mean lower monthly payments. Lower monthly payments often increase purchasing power. More purchasing power should make housing more affordable. However, that is only part of the story. What many buyers…

What Homebuyers Need to Know in Today’s Market

By Scott Sheldon / June 7, 2026

If you’ve been thinking about buying a home in Sonoma County, you’re probably paying close attention to mortgage rates. Interest rates have been one of the biggest topics in real estate over the last few years, and many buyers are wondering whether now is the right time to purchase a home or if they should…

Understanding Income Averaging in Fannie Mae Loans

By Scott Sheldon / March 6, 2025

When qualifying for a home loan, one challenge many borrowers face is presenting irregular or fluctuating income in a way that accurately reflects their long-term earning potential. Both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac provide guidelines that allow mortgage lenders to use an averaged income approach to assess a borrower’s ability to repay a mortgage. This…

The Hidden Risk of Lower Interest Rates: Why Refinancing May Not Be as Simple as It Seems

By Scott Sheldon / October 2, 2024

The Hidden Risk of Lower Interest Rates: Why Refinancing May Not Be as Simple as It Seems As the possibility of lower interest rates looms on the horizon, many homeowners and buyers are excited about the idea of refinancing their loans and saving on their monthly payments. However, there’s a risk that comes with those…

How to ease lending qualifications when buying a home

By Scott Sheldon / April 4, 2024

Hey there, fellow dreamer! Are you ready to take the leap into homeownership and turn your dream home fantasies into reality? If you’re anything like me, the prospect of embarking on this journey can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. But fear not, because I’ve been there, and I’m here to share some insights that could…