The Mortgage Files

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

Can I Refinance My FHA Loan?

By Scott Sheldon / February 10, 2015

Yes, in fact if you took out an FHA mortgage in 2013 or 2014, your mortgage insurance premium on an annualized basis was likely upwards of 1.3% of your loan amount driving the cost of your monthly PMI higher On January 26, 2015, the FHA  announced they will be reducing the monthly mortgage insurance premiums…

Why Some Aspects Of Today's Lending Still Do Not Make Sense

By Scott Sheldon / February 2, 2015

Banks want you to believe getting a these days is easier and that may be case if, you’re financial house is in order. Here is what you need to know about how to plan for the nuances, that may illogically arise… The reality is that if you’re going to be getting a mortgage in today’s…

Will My Disability Income Count For Getting A Mortgage?

By Scott Sheldon / January 25, 2015

If you have an alternative income from a work-related injury or a long-term injury, the devil is in the details when it pertains to how, if or when any of your income you’re collecting could be used to get a mortgage. Things to keep in mind when applying… What We Mean By Disability Benefits Disability…

Do I Need To Provide Bank Statements For Getting A Sonoma County Loan?

By Scott Sheldon / January 21, 2015

Yes, lenders will need full supporting documentation showing cash to close and/or savings in the bank necessary for qualifying on whichever loan program you are working with. Expect lenders to require at least two months of bank statements on any monthly account, and most recent last two quarters on any quarterly accounts same goes for…

Why Moving Money Around Can Be Problematic For Getting A Mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / January 20, 2015

Keeping your money in one place is vital to a mortgage transaction. Cash to close and savings post closing escrow become critically important to sealing the deal. Here is what to know if you’ve been moving money around and are applying for a mortgage… It’s An Issue For Banks Moving money around in different accounts…

Your House Will Not Appraise For A Refinance Or Will It?

By Scott Sheldon / January 12, 2015

Mortgage interest rates hit a 19 month low the week of January 9, prompting many homeowners to begin refinancing. All too many have tried in the recent years yet.hold back because they think their house will not appraise for what they need to make numbers pencil. Following is the real skinny if you’re debating whether…

5 Factors To Think About When Refinancing

By Scott Sheldon / December 14, 2014

Mortgage rates are now the lowest level we’ve seen in the last 17 months ago. If you can save money by refinancing your mortgage or have been putting it off, you owe yourself to explore your options. Here’s the five setbacks to know before pulling the trigger… The 1% Rate Reduction Rule Most finance experts…

Why Your Second Job May Not Cut It For A Mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / May 4, 2014

You have a great credit score, manageable debts, solid income even have cash ready to go, but you still can’t a mortgage. Want a lender to count your second job income? Know these lending stipulations… How Lenders Classify Second Job Income A second job is usually classified as an additional income when qualifying a consumer…