Getting the right mortgage can be a tricky process. There are so many different lenders available in any state or town, offering any number of different mortgage options. In finding a mortgage that is right for you, it's a good idea to investigate not only the mortgages themselves, but the lenders as well. Always make sure that you are dealing with a lender who has a good reputation. Before you begin to look for mortgages you should get a handle on your financial picture.

Investigating your credit is a good idea, even if you are not purchasing a house, its a good idea to know these things anyway. Find out what your credit rating is and also find out if there is anything that is marring your credit negatively. If there is then you will want to try to correct that and take care of any other outstanding items that could affect your ability to get a good mortgage. Sometimes if you have outstanding debts and take care of them, you can get letters of release to verify that the debt is no longer a concern. This is a good step as sometimes it can take a while for items to removed from your credit report, the letters will show mortgage companies that the debt need not be a factor in the assessment of your mortgage.

Now, shopping for the mortgage itself. This is where things can get a bit complicated. There are so many different kinds of mortgages out there, how will you know which one is perfect for you? This is the purchase that you should spend the most time considering, even more so than the home itself. The financing will determine much of your future financial picture including how quickly you are able to pay it off, the interest rates, and the security of your equity. Be careful of mortgages that seem too good to be true. There are a number of mortgages that take advantage of the borrower and can be financially damaging. Be sure to consult with your local BBB and Chamber Of Commerce in regards to the lender's reputation and track record. Be careful, after all; you are spending a lot of money and making a huge commitment.