The Mortgage Files

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

how to time when to buy a home

What you need to know when paying off debt to buy a home

By sonomacountym / November 28, 2017

Here’s what you need to know if you’re trying to pay off debt before buying a home Paying off debt to buy house can absolutely be beneficial. Debt cripples a would-be home buyer’s ability to afford a mortgage payment. Here is how you should strategically look at paying off debt to buy a home… Mortgage…

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how carrying a rental home may impact your mortgage qualifying

Here is the dicey reality of renting vs buying in Sonoma County

By Scott Sheldon / November 20, 2017

Whether you buy a home or rent a home you will still have a housing payment obligation to make each month. The unfortunate reality in Sonoma County, CA is that in many cases you could be easily paying more in rent than you would for a mortgage. Not everyone who rents should be and not…

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4 common home buyer mistakes to avoid

Why Sonoma County Housing Prices will continue to rise

By sonomacountym / October 22, 2017

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…

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Comparing Rates Takes Knowledge

Why the media is the worst gauge for the direction mortgage rates

By sonomacountym / October 10, 2017

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…

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bank statement program for getting a mortgage

These two factors drive your mortgage cost

By sonomacountym / September 19, 2017

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…

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can you buy a house with less than 600 credit score?

The truth about how credit scores relate to mortgages

By Scott Sheldon / August 29, 2017

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…

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which loan program for you

How to pick the right mortgage loan program for your situation

By Scott Sheldon / August 17, 2017

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…

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what kind of home buyer are you

What kind of home buyer are you?

By Scott Sheldon / August 15, 2017

Buying a home whether it be your first home or even a second home should be done with prudence and care. You should be looking at homes that you have a shot of getting. Here’s why… In many markets, there is a lack of supply and big demand for housing. This scenario is creating multiple…

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