The Mortgage Process

For most people, their home is their biggest asset. Before you sign any papers, you need to ask the right questions and know all the costs associated with the mortgage itself as well as those associated with obtaining it.

You need to compare products offered by different lenders and brokers. To the extent possible, ask for information about the same loan amount, loan term, and type of loan. You can also contact a home-buying counselor to help you get started.

Prospective home buyers should also be aware of common pitfalls and potential unethical practices. If you're uncomfortable going through the mortgage process alone, then seeking professional advice makes good financial sense.

Review the list of questions below and from them, begin to prepare you own. Before you even start looking for home, you should pretty much know the answers to them all.

To compare products offered by different lenders and brokers, to the extent possible, ask for information about the same loan amount, loan term, and type of loan. You can also contact a home-buying counselor to help you get started.