You need to first get into the right frame of mind. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and don't be intimidated by your credit history. Be honest. Give truthful information. But don't feel shame or regret for your past or present personal circumstance. They make you who you are, and that earns you respect! So with that said, put on your confidence, and let's GO!

Step 2: What's the going rate?

Information is free, so why not be informed? Many resources are available on the internet to get current interest rates, including a rate-watch at our website:

So to start with, take a look at two pieces of information:

A little exercise: Do you see the current rate? What about the 6 month graph. Are rates going up, down, or staying about the same? Is the current rate higher than it was 6 months ago? Lower then 6 months ago?

Now don't feel the need to analyze this information too much. Relax. For now, just look at it, and perhaps, check it several times a week to stay informed.

If you do this, you're already 10 steps ahead of the game!

You are now an informed shopper. When an offer is presented to you in the near future, you'll be able to ascertain how good an offer it actually is by knowing how it compares to the "going rate". (sidenote: Don't forget to check terms, fees aka: "points", and conditions relating to your loan offer. Often times you will see higher points or less favorable terms, in exchange for a lower rate.)

In addition, you'll be able to assess if you think rates are declining or on the rise, which may help you to decide if "NOW" is the right time.

Step 3 ? Obtain several offers, and SHOP RATE!

When you buy a car, do you seek out the best deal? When you go grocery shopping, do you consider which store offers the best prices?

Shopping for a mortgage should not be seen any differently, and the best way to do this is to obtain several preliminary loan offers online.

Get 3 or 4 offers, and compare them. How do they compete against each-other? How do they compare to the going interest rates (see step 2 above).

Our website has compiled an index of hundreds of lenders and institutions that provide these preliminary services. This information is free, and available for you to peruse at your leisure.

Many of these companies' conduct searches of thousands of lenders, a lot of them in your local area, and they provide you with 4 loan offers almost instantly.

Take advantage of this! These are no obligation services, and for the most part, the online application forms are simple, fast, and easy. They literally can take no more then a couple minutes to complete.

In addition, you don't need to be burdened with going through your credit history at this phase. Completing the simple form is all it takes. If you qualify, and a lender is located that wants to do business with you, then you'll go to the next step which is to discuss this possible opportunity over the phone.

But isn't it nice to know that by that point, the lender has basically, already approved your loan?

Step 4: A couple things to keep in mind

Step 5: Understanding your Options

Let's put this all together.

If you've followed this simple plan, you will discover that there are indeed consumer loan products tailor made to meet everyone's needs. Remember to examine the terms and rates, obtain several loan offers, and then talk to the lenders over the phone. Find out who they are, and whether or not you'd like to do business with them. Throughout this process, stay informed by checking interest rates.

We've enjoyed providing this information to you, and we wish you the best of luck in your pursuits. Remember to always seek out good advice from those you trust, but never turn your back on your own common sense.

Sincerely, Webmaster Tom Levine

Copyright 2004, by LoanResources.Net

This article may be freely distributed so long as the copyright, author's information and an active link (where possible) are included.

About The Author

Tom Levine is the webmaster of http://loanresources.net, and he can be reached at info@loanresources.net

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