The Mortgage Files

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

"How Seller Credits Can Help You Maximize Savings on FHA and Conventional Loans" explaining what seller credits are, how they can be used for closing costs or interest rate buy-downs, the FHA 6% seller credit allowance, and a comparison table of conventional loan seller credit limits based on down payment. Includes a pie chart showing a split of 3% used for closing costs and 3% for interest rate buy-down.

How seller credit maximize your purchasing power on a conventional or FHA home loan

By Scott Sheldon / May 16, 2025

Maximizing Your Home Buying Power with Seller Credits When purchasing a home, every dollar counts. Whether you’re putting down 3.5% with an FHA loan or opting for a conventional route with 10% or 20% down, understanding how seller credits work can be a game-changer. These credits can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, lower your monthly…

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Infographic illustrating the impact of lower mortgage interest rates on home prices amid housing inventory shortages. The image shows a comparison of a house priced at $600,000 with a 6.5% interest rate versus the same house increasing in value to $650,000-$675,000 with a 5.5% interest rate. A supply and demand graph highlights increased buyer competition due to lower rates, driving home prices higher. The design includes clear labels representing housing affordability, mortgage rates, and market demand.

The Impact of Lower Interest Rates on Housing Inventory Challenges

By Scott Sheldon / March 10, 2025

The U.S. housing market has been grappling with a significant inventory shortage, with an estimated deficit of 3.7 million homes. This scarcity has intensified competition among buyers, leading to bidding wars and elevated home prices. In this context, a reduction in mortgage interest rates can have profound effects on the market dynamics, particularly concerning home…

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Sold suburban home with a 6% mortgage interest rate sign, reflecting current real estate market conditions.

Why Housing Prices Will Rise: Understanding Interest Rates and Market Timing

By Scott Sheldon / September 18, 2024

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, waiting for the “perfect” time to buy a house because of high interest rates, now is the moment to pay close attention. Over the past few years, mortgage rates surged to 7%, creating a challenging environment for homebuyers. However, with the recent dip into the 6% range for…

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Modern house with a 'Sold' sign in the front yard, symbolizing successful real estate transactions. In the background, a clipboard with appraisal documents and a magnifying glass emphasizes the importance of accurate property valuations and working with an experienced lender

Why Your Lease is Not a Barrier to Homeownership

By Scott Sheldon / August 27, 2024

For many families considering buying a home, the belief that they cannot proceed because they are bound by a lease is a common misconception. Depending on your state, a lease is not necessarily a barrier to homeownership. If you’re renting and your rent payment is $3,000 a month with another six months left on your…

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Could there be a real estate market crash?

Could there be a real estate market crash

By Scott Sheldon / October 27, 2021

Could there be a real estate market crash? The so-called financial experts have predicted this since 2008, since the last financial crisis. Are we in a housing bubble? And what should you do as it pertains to purchasing a home if you’ve been on the fence?   Here are some things to be aware of…

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Stop blaming the long program because you can't get into contract. This is a real estate agent problem not a mortgage problem.

Why its a real estate problem, not a mortgage problem

By Scott Sheldon / October 20, 2021

If you’re trying to buy a home, you’re preapproved, and you’ve been making offers, but you keep losing out because you have multiple offers, here are some things you need to consider. 1st things 1st, this is provided that your loan is fully intact, that you are well qualified, and that the loan essentially is…

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How to win in today's competitive real estate market

How to win in today’s competitive real estate market

By Scott Sheldon / September 29, 2021

It’s no surprise that there’s competition in the market right now. And it’s particularly challenging to get your offer accepted to purchase a home. If you’re preapproved, using financing to buy a house and you’re having a tough time getting your offer accepted, here are a few things you can do to spruce your offer…

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Scott Sheldon's The Mortgage FIles Blog

Home Equity Is Back In Sonoma County- Mortgage Options Follow

By Scott Sheldon / March 28, 2014

Unlike in years past, the Sonoma County Real Estate Market continues to show strong appreciation gains. Homeowners who were upside down in 2011-2012, now have home-equity as the demand for real estate continues, despite stale inventory. If you own a house, you now have choices to protect, preserve or leverage your newly acquired home-equity. 6 Mortgage Options…

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