The Mortgage Files

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

Here's a strategy to buy a home and set up a future refinance

How much money you need to purchase a home

By Scott Sheldon / April 21, 2021

The old adage you need 20% down to buy a home these days couldn’t be further from the truth. Contrary to popular belief, you only need a very small down payment to be successful in purchasing a home. 20% down is the old school mantra of lending however if you can put down 20% your…

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how to figure out mortgage rates

Here’s what you need to understand about today’s mortgage rate environment

By Scott Sheldon / March 19, 2021

Interest rates are presently unstable. As a result of this instability brought on by some of the global and national events, we are in a very unique situation where rates literally from one day to another multiple times per day. The market for hunting for terms and price above all else was in 2020.  Here’s…

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Buying a home successfully requires a few steps

How to be a successful home buyer in 2021

By Scott Sheldon / February 22, 2021

If you want to be a successful home buyer, here are the following things you need to be aware of if you want to buy a house in 2021… It goes without saying interest rates are at extremely low levels. Those low-interest rates are fueling demand for housing. So let’s say you’re pre-approved and you’re out…

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Refinance with Sonoma County Mortgages

Where should you go to refinance your mortgage?

By Scott Sheldon / February 10, 2021

With interest rates still at historically, low levels many homeowners are discovering they can refinance to lower their interest rate, drop PMI, pull cash out, or move to an aggressive shorter-term mortgage than ever before due to global and economic events presently happening in the coronavirus pandemic… Where to get your mortgage and more particularly…

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New Home

3 elements you must have in your financial life to buy a home

By Scott Sheldon / January 27, 2021

2021 might be the year to purchase a home. With the combination of ultra-low interest rates buying a home could absolutely be something within your reach. Timing the market not a good idea, buying a home when your finances and cash and credit and income support generally makes sense if you have a buy and…

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Mortgage charts being worked on

How to time the market to buy a home

By Scott Sheldon / January 20, 2021

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest staples of wealth for most families in America. It’s the largest thing in their life that can create big wealth creation. Here are some things to be aware of if you’ve been on the sidelines and you’re trying to figure out when is really the best time…

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Mortgage Loan Application

Should you buy a house or refinance the one you already own in 2021?

By Scott Sheldon / January 13, 2021

With fixed-rate mortgages still at historical levels, many are considering re-evaluating their home and financial situation. One strategy might be to remodel the house you presently have another might be to acquire a new house. Here are some things to consider when exploring both options so you and your family can weigh out what makes…

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Loan Word Spelled Out in Palm of Hand

Why your side business makes getting a mortgage tougher

By Scott Sheldon / January 6, 2021

The reality of today’s mortgage market may come in the form of tough love. For many families purchasing or refinancing a home can make a huge financial impact on their life. Applying for and successfully get a home loan can be a bit tricky depending on your financial situation. Here are some things to just…

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