The Mortgage Files

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

This FHA requirement might hurt your multi unit home buying chances

By Scott Sheldon / September 13, 2019

One of the perks of getting an FHA mortgage is the ability to purchase a primary home using just 3.5% down. The math however will change if you’re buying a multi-family property… You heard that correctly. You can buy a multifamily property using an FHA-insured loan up to four units with just 3.5% down. The…

Why getting a 30 year fixed rate mortgage is a smart financial move

By Scott Sheldon / November 14, 2018

If you’re purchasing or refinancing a house the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was and is currently the staple of the broader mortgage market. The 30-year mortgage has its pros and cons and here is what you should know when looking at a 30-year mortgage, so you can decide what makes the most financial sense for you.…

3 reasons you should not buy a home

By Scott Sheldon / September 10, 2018

With the average price house in Sonoma County being $640,000 many probably would want to purchase a house however wanting to purchase a house and being able to do it are two different things. Following things should be considered if you want to buy a house successfully… The most important thing is can you afford…

These little lending nuances may help you land a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / June 26, 2018

Getting a mortgage in 2018 there is a bureaucratic and compliant process with a significant amount of paperwork involved. Following is some tips on various loan programs available in the marketplace you may not know… Conventional mortgages they will go up to a debt to income ratio of 50%. Here is the kicker if your…

Going backwards trying to save for a home?

By Scott Sheldon / March 23, 2017

  Do you need help saving to buy a house? What you think you need and what you actually need may not be the same. Here is what you should know when saving for a home. In order to purchase a home, you need at least 3.5% for a down payment. Another option is Down…

Are you a physician? Getting a mortgage just got easier…

By Scott Sheldon / November 2, 2016

One of more unique ways borrowers in the health care industry can get a mortgage is the doctor’s loan. Here’s how the flexible program works… One of the benefits of being a physician when it comes time to getting a mortgage is having more financial flexibility. This can help bridge the gap between renting and…

How to figure out closing costs on a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / September 27, 2016

Closing costs are a factor you must account for consider when taking out a mortgage to buy or refinance a home. Here’s what you need to know across the board… When can you take out a mortgage there’s fees that you’re going to pay to various service providers besides just the mortgage company. This includes,…

What to do if you need last year’s income tax returns to get a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / January 13, 2016

How’s your income? This is the first of many questions a banker is going to ask when you apply for a home loan. Here is how tax returns play a role in your ability to obtain mortgage loan financing. Generally, you need provide two years of 1040’s to a banker when applying for a home…