Scott Sheldon
USA TODAY
Santa Rosa, CA, United States
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Past articles by Scott:
Home-buying: A quick formula to determine your house payment
There’s a simpler way to calculate a home payment. This simple solution will be a huge help in a competitive market. → Read More
5 ways to find extra money for a down payment
if cash flow is your issue, here are some ways you can find extra money for a down payment. → Read More
Get an FHA loan or conventional mortgage?
Here’s the breakdown. → Read More
Can Rental Income Help Me Get a Mortgage?
Some mortgage companies will give you the benefit of fair market rents when you purchase a property with the intention of renting it out. → Read More
Do You Understand Your Mortgage's Fine Print?
It's critical to have a general understanding of how points affect your mortgage rate and payments, and ultimately connect to your bottom line. → Read More
Is Your Car Lease Keeping You From Buying a Home?
Your car lease will be a factor when you look to buy a home. Here's how to make sure it doesn't trip you up. → Read More
Can I Get a Loan for a Mobile Home?
Trying to get a loan for a mobile home? You may be surprised to learn there are financing options available for non-single-family residence houses. → Read More
How Often Can I Refinance My Mortgage?
Though it may come as a surprise, there is no limitation to how frequently you can refinance your home. But is constantly refinancing a smart move? → Read More
Can Consolidating Your Mortgages Save You Money?
Combining your first and second mortgages into one can save you money if you do it right. → Read More
Is It Time to Refinance Your Adjustable-Rate Mortgage?
If you're thinking about refinancing your adjustable-rate mortgage loan, these are the four factors to consider. → Read More
4 Ways You Can Borrow a Down Payment
You have some options when it comes to obtaining a down payment for a home. → Read More
4 Simple Winter Home Projects That Can Save You Money
There are tons of great DIY projects out there that can save you serious dough. Here are some simple winter projects to get started. → Read More
The Santa Bubble: Why Mortgage Rates Are Up Right Now
Every December there’s a market phenomenon that sends interest rates higher by about 0.25% across the board. It's called the Santa Bubble. → Read More
The Loophole That Could Help You Buy a Home Even If You Have a Lot of Debt
Certain installment loans may be omitted from the debt-to-income ratio, and that can help people with debt buy a home. → Read More
Why You Should Consider Refinancing
If you're serious about reducing the interest you owe on your mortgage, refinancing could be a good bet. → Read More
The Mortgage Balancing Act: What You Spend vs. What You Make
The mortgage balancing act is all about maintaining a solid debt-to-income ratio. → Read More
When Should I Lock in My Mortgage Rate?
There are times when locking in a mortgage rate at loan application or appraisal could be worthwhile. → Read More
3 Things Home Buyers Need to Know About Mortgage Interest
Mortgage interest is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it's a tax-deductible expense, but it is also, by and large, the heaviest cost of homeownership. → Read More
Is Your Credit Score Good Enough to Get a Better Mortgage?
Credit is the biggest hot-button topic in mortgage lending by far. But is it always better to wait and build your credit before you buy a house? → Read More
First-Time Home Buyers Have One Big Hurdle to Overcome
Are you a first-time homebuyer? Here's your number one priority if you intend on buying a home now or down the line. → Read More