Shopping for the Best

The most important thing to look for when you are shopping for a mortgage is the interest rate, right? Not necessarily. There are many other factors to consider, including the lender's charges for making the loan, the terms under which the loan will be approved, and the lender's reputation for timely completion of loan applications to meet purchase agreement deadlines.

When real estate agents are involved in sales transactions, they don't tell buyers which mortgage companies to use. They can provide the names of established lenders who have provided good service to their customers. They can give general information about the different mortgage options that are available today. Using a low interest rate as the main criteria for choosing a mortgage could cost you money--and perhaps the home you want--if the company cannot deliver on its promises.