The Mortgage Files

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

3 quirky issues that will hurt your mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / September 5, 2018

Getting a mortgage loan in 2018 is still a very bureaucratic and compliant process. People getting mortgages today are still paying for the sins of borrowers’ past. Here are some things to consider… You must be able to document and specifically show all forms of income period. While it is true some things can be…

The credit score it takes to get a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / August 29, 2018

To buy a house you need to have at least a good credit score, provable income that supports your ability to repay the mortgage as well as sufficient reserves and a to use for a down payment. If you’re looking to buy a house here’s what you need to know if your credit needs tender…

6 common home buyer mistakes to avoid when purchasing a home

By Scott Sheldon / August 20, 2018

Purchasing a house Sonoma County is easier now more than ever. However, with the average-priced house penciling in at $700,000 purchasing a house is going to require careful planning to put your best foot forward. Here are some things to consider if you want to purchase a house… Get pre-approved first. Getting pre-approved by a…

How to transfer property to family and still be protected under Prop 13

By Scott Sheldon / August 7, 2018

Proposition 13 was enacted in 1978 by voters to limit the amount of property-taxes the homeowner pays. Prop 13 protect your property taxes from increasing by more than 2% per year. It protects properties that rise in value. Following are the biggest concerns mortgage borrowers have when it comes time to keeping property taxes low……

How much of your income should go towards a mortgage payment?

By Scott Sheldon / July 17, 2018

One of the challenges home buyers face when purchasing a house for the first time is of their income should go towards a mortgage payment. This number varies greatly and just because the bank tells you you can take on a certain payment to income ratio that doesn’t necessarily mean that you should. Here is…

What to look for in a mortgage lender when buying a home

By Scott Sheldon / July 3, 2018

Contrary to widespread belief not all mortgage companies work the same. Buying a house is generally thought of as the most important financial transaction of your life and as such should be handled with extreme care and prudence. You want to make sure you pick the right mortgage company and more importantly the right loan…

Watch out for these two sneaky mortgage practices

By Scott Sheldon / May 30, 2018

It’s no surprise the housing market has tight inventory and mortgage rates are on the rise. As the overall market continues to contract banks are coming up with innovative ways to elicit business. The following tricks are ethically questionable… The first trick banks use is associated with credit reporting. Mortgage companies must pull a copy…

3 things you will never hear from a big internet mortgage lender

By Scott Sheldon / May 23, 2018

Working with an internet lender may or may not be in your best interests. Whoever you hire to help you with mortgage loan financing should be well-versed and experienced in mortgage financing. Here are 3 things you will never hear from an internet only lender…. If you don’t fit our programs, you probably will not…