Finding out that you could have gotten a much better mortgage than you currently have can be a very distasteful experience. You don’t want to be that person. You want to go into a mortgage being well-informed. Therefore, keep reading so that you find out the information that you need to know.

Try getting pre-approved for your mortgage. It helps you know what you’re able to spend before you bid on properties. It also helps you avoid getting attached to a home that is out of your price range. The process is generally simple: you contact a mortgage lender, submit the personal and financial information, and then wait for their response. Some information in this process will include the amount you can afford and your loan’s interest rate. You will receive a pre-approval letter from your lender, and then you’ll have the funds as soon as the seller accepts the bid. Your pre-approval process may not be this simple, but it could be.

If you’re purchasing your first home, there are government programs available to help. These government programs often work with individuals with lower credit scores and can often assist in finding low interest mortgages.

Understand the difference between a mortgage broker and a mortgage lender. There is an important distinction that you need to be aware of so you can make the best choice for your situation. A mortgage broker is a middle man, who helps you shop for loans from several different lenders. A mortgage lender is the direct source for a loan.

Use local lenders. If you are using a mortgage broker, it is common to get quotes from lenders who are out of state. Estimates given by brokers who are not local may not be aware of costs that local lenders know about because they are familiar with local laws. This can lead to incorrect estimates.

Save up for the costs of closing. Though you should already be saving for your down payment, you should also save to pay the closing costs. They are the costs associated with the paperwork transactions, and the actual transfer of the home to you. If you do not save, you may find yourself faced with thousands of dollars due.

Don’t use real estate brokers or mortgage lenders who encourage you to lie on your home mortgage application. It is illegal to lie on this application, and it is a legal document. Misrepresenting your income or other information is grounds for criminal prosecution. Working with people who encourage you do commit a crime is not a good idea.

Know the risk involved with mortgage brokers. Many mortgage brokers are up-front with their fees and costs. Some other brokers are not so transparent. They will add costs onto your loan to compensate themselves for their involvement. This can quickly add up to an expense you did not see coming.

Many computers have built in programs that will calculate payments and interest for a loan. Use the program to determine how much total interest your mortgage rate will cost, and also compare the cost for loans with different terms. You may choose a shorter term loan when you realize how much interest you could save.

Keep on top of your mortgage application by checking in with your loan manager at least once per week. It only takes one missing piece of paperwork to delay your approval and closing. There may also be last minute requests for more information that need to be provided. Don’t assume everything is fine if you don’t hear from your lender.

While you may have thought that finding a good mortgage company and loan is difficult, that really isn’t the reality. You just have to know what you’re doing, and with the advice you’ve read, you’re sure to do just fine. Make sure you look at every aspect of getting a mortgage, and you will end up with the right one.