The Mortgage Files

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

New USDA Income Limits for Sonoma County (2026): Do You Qualify for 100% Financing?

By Scott Sheldon / July 30, 2026

New USDA Income Limits for Sonoma County: You May Now Qualify for 100% Home Financing If you’ve been thinking about buying a home but assumed your income was too high for a USDA loan, it’s time to take another look. The USDA has updated its income limits, and many Sonoma County homebuyers who didn’t qualify…

Should you buy a more expensive home?

By Scott Sheldon / November 12, 2023

For families looking to purchase a home, a mortgage payment, and price of the home can go hand-in-hand decision making. If you find a house that could be a good fit for you and your family, but it seems a bit out of reach. Here are some things you might want to take some consideration…

How earning more income affects your ability to buy a home

By Scott Sheldon / April 3, 2023

If you’re thinking about purchasing a house, it’s not just your credit score and your down payment that counts, it’s also your income, as your income drives affordability. How much income you generate is going to determine whether you’re able to buy a home. Here are some things to know about income when buying a…

5 ways you will not get a home loan to buy a home

By Scott Sheldon / February 26, 2023

Most people given a choice would desire to purchase a home, arguably, given their financial situation, and their ability to handle a monthly housing payment. Oddly enough, there are times from a lender’s perspective you might not get a home loan and it has nothing to do with your credit score, credit, history, income, or…

Why you might want to consider a DSCR loan to buy a rental property

By Scott Sheldon / January 22, 2023

What is a DSCR loan and how can this type of financing help you purchase a rental property portfolio? In Q3 2022, the DSCR loan emerged as a viable option for investors looking to buy a rental property who need a bit more flexibility than traditional loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. DSCR…

How to get a first time home buyer program

By Scott Sheldon / September 5, 2021

Buying your first home requires careful consideration of your cash, credit, and income. A first-time homebuyer is anyone who has not owned a house or any real estate in the last 2 years. Here’s what you need to know… The reality of it is that there aren’t any special first-time homebuyer programs out there in…

How your profit and loss statement may affect your mortgage application

By Scott Sheldon / August 22, 2021

If you’re self-employed you need to know that lenders are going to ask for a profit and loss statement year to date. Here’s what it is and why it’s needed if you’re self-employed and you’re trying to get a mortgage… If you’re trying to secure home financing whether you’re buying a house or refinancing one…

Your choices if you’re self employed and you don’t show enough income for a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / August 8, 2021

Mortgage companies use your net income from your tax returns to qualify you. The excuse my accountant won’t let me do that, or I have to pay more taxes is incongruent with mortgage loans. Here is what you need to know… Part of being an entrepreneur is also bearing the costs that come with it…