Ask for more than just rates. Bad loan officers will tell you anything to keep you on the phone -- then change the details to suit them later. Instead, make them get real with you! Ask how long they've been in the industry. Probe them about their experience in the industry. Also, ask what their opinion is on the current market and where it's going.
Closing costs can be expensive. If you plan on refinancing your home to save money, be sure to take into consideration how much the closing costs on the new loan will cost you.
Ask for the reissue rate on your title work. If you've taken a mortgage within the past two years, or are using the same lender, you might be granted this option, which can save you as much as 70 percent on your title work. An editor at this magazine didn't know about this potential savings when he refinanced his mortgage; fortunately his lawyer did. The savings more than covered the attorney's fees. However, if it's been several years since you took out a home loan, or if you're using a new lender, you'll likely have to pay for a new title.
Both new homebuyers and refinancers can get free access to the credit reports that lenders use by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com, a website created via Congressional mandate. A free report from each of the three consumer reporting agencies -- TransUnion, Experian and Equifax -- is available at no cost every 12 months. Check for errors; if mistakes are found, don't hesitate to dispute any and all inaccurate and derogatory items.