The Mortgage Files
Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.
The new way to buy a house in Sonoma county
The recent fire disasters have created housing demand not seen in Sonoma County in many years. Prior to the fires, strong competition, coupled with limited supply best described the local market. Now that the fires have wiped out 5% of the Sonoma County housing market, the problem has intensified. Here is how to win… Be…
Read More about The new way to buy a house in Sonoma countyWhy Sonoma County Housing Prices will continue to rise
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…
Read More about Why Sonoma County Housing Prices will continue to riseHow to spot a ridiculous mortgage offer
You’ve seen them on the internet and in your mail box, the too good to be true mortgage offer. Here is the truth with regards to mortgage offers that seem too attractive… Mortgage lenders are required to disclose interest rate and APR. Most typically have the fine print at the bottom of the offer in…
Read More about How to spot a ridiculous mortgage offerWhy the media is the worst gauge for the direction mortgage rates
If you’re in the market for a mortgage, the worst gauge the direction of mortgage rates is the media. Here’s why … Mortgage rates trade in lockstep with the mortgage back securities market which changes with the ebb and flow of the stock market. As Money flows in and out of stocks, the same happens…
Read More about Why the media is the worst gauge for the direction mortgage ratesThese two factors drive your mortgage cost
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…
Read More about These two factors drive your mortgage costHere is why you should not be worried about buying at the top of the market
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…
Read More about Here is why you should not be worried about buying at the top of the marketThe truth about how credit scores relate to mortgages
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…
Read More about The truth about how credit scores relate to mortgagesHow to pick the right mortgage loan program for your situation
With the proliferation of new home buying programs being introduced into the market consumers today have more choices for securing financing than ever before. Here is how to pick what mortgage loan program for your unique financial profile… Know this-take peoples thoughts and opinions with a grain of salt. Before you start looking at loan…
Read More about How to pick the right mortgage loan program for your situation