Are you thinking about becoming a homeowner? Perhaps you are looking at refinancing your existing home? If you must borrow your purchase funds, a mortgage is necessary. Navigating your way through the home mortgage process can be tricky, but having good knowledge such as the article below will make it easier for you.

Getting the right mortgage for your needs is not just a matter of comparing mortgage interest rates. When looking at offers from different lending institutions you must also consider fees, points and closing costs. Compare all of these factors from at least three different lenders before you decide which mortgage is best for you.

If you are underwater on your home, keep trying to refinance. New programs (HARP) are in place to help homeowners out in this exact situation, no matter how imbalanced their mortgage and home value seems to be. Discuss the matter with your lender, specifically asking how the new HARP rules impact your situation. If your lender is still not willing to work with you, find another one who will.

Do not go crazy on credit cards while waiting on your loan to close. Right before the loan is finalized, lenders will check your credit. Wait for furniture shopping and other major expenses, until long after the ink is dry on your new mortgage contract.

Prepare your paperwork before applying for a mortgage. There are many items that a lender will require. These items include the last two or three years worth of tax returns, copies of each of your monthly credit card statements and installment loans. Three months bank statements and two months worth of pay stubs are also needed for approval.

If you are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, you may qualify for a VA morgtage loan. These loans are available to qualified veterens. The advantage of these loans is an easier approval process and a lower than average interest rate. The application process for these loans is not often complicated.

Check out the interest rates for 15, 20 and 30 year term lengths. Many times the shorter the term length the lower the interest rate. Although you may think you payment will be higher on a shorter term loan, you can actually save money on your payment by choosing a lower interest rate and a shorter term.

Remember that your mortgage typically can’t cover your entire house payment. You need to put your own money up for the down payment in most situations. Check out your local laws regarding buying a home before you get a mortgage so you don’t run afoul of regulations, leaving you homeless.

Do not close out any credit card accounts while you are in the middle of applying for a loan. This will negatively impact you since all of your credit cards were used when determining your eligibility for a loan. If you need to close your account for any reason, wait until the loan process is over.

With what you learned here, you should have a little more knowledge on the subject of home loans. Use what you’ve just read to make smart decisions. Don’t be scared by the process of getting a home mortgage.