The Mortgage Files

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

bank statement program for getting a mortgage

How much does it cost to refinance your mortgage?

By sonomacountym / November 14, 2017

If you’re trying to refinance your mortgage you should know what the costs are really are going to be and how they play into the mathematical equation of the total picture. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to refinancing your house and paying fees… When you refinance your house your closing costs…

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4 common home buyer mistakes to avoid

Why Sonoma County Housing Prices will continue to rise

By sonomacountym / October 22, 2017

Sonoma county housing was already limited prior to the Tubs and Nuns fires. This year has shown a scenario more reflective of large demand with little supply. This economic shift has created a competitive market place for home buyers driving prices up subsequently making it challenging to purchase a home. In the aftermath of the…

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bank statement program for getting a mortgage

These two factors drive your mortgage cost

By sonomacountym / September 19, 2017

These two factors have the biggest influence on the cost of your mortgage. There are two things can change the cost of your mortgage when buying or refinance a home more than you think. Here’s what you need to know when trying to secure the best possible mortgage for your family. The two factors that…

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buying a home at the top of the market

Here is why you should not be worried about buying at the top of the market

By Scott Sheldon / September 6, 2017

Most US housing markets are supporting little inventory and big demand creating a favorable environment for sellers. If you’re thinking about buying a house and you’re worried you’re buying at the top of the market look at the bigger picture… If we were to rewind the clock to 2012 everyone was petrified about purchasing a…

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can you buy a house with less than 600 credit score?

The truth about how credit scores relate to mortgages

By Scott Sheldon / August 29, 2017

Credit scores are incredibly important when secure a mortgage financing. They are however only one leg of a four-leg table. Here’s what to remember about credit scores and home loans. *Credit scores for jumbo mortgages need to be at least 680 or more *Credit scores can be as low as 620 for a conforming loan…

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fha loans to buy a home

Here is something most married folks do not realize when applying for an FHA Loan

By Scott Sheldon / August 8, 2017

Today’s world of mortgages is made up by two sorts of loans government backed loans and government insured loans. Government insured loans are hugely popular. The FHA Loan is the benchmark government loan appealing to many due to its flexible guidelines and lower down payment options. Here is one pitfall you need to know if…

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Strange things that will stop your mortgage

Strange things that will stop your mortgage application

By Scott Sheldon / April 19, 2017

  If you are trying to get a mortgage, or have tried in the past, you know the process is detailed and very paperwork heavy. The following is what you should know and stay clear of. Banks do not take kindly to situations that involve scenarios that do not make sense. It has to pass…

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when is the right time to buy a home

How to get a down payment to buy a home

By Scott Sheldon / February 2, 2017

In order to buy a home, you need to have a balance of good credit, manageable debt, stable income and sufficient savings. Maintaining a balance between these four categories is challenging enough on its own, never mind coming up with enough cash to close on your potential new home. The amount of money you have…

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