To choose the right lender when applying for a new home loan or refinancing an existing one:
1.Scan your score.
Before applying for a mortgage, determine your credit score at www.myfico.com. If your score is low, review your credit reports for mistakes. Free reports are available at www.annualcreditreport.com.

2. Try your current lender.
To keep your business, it may offer you a current, highly attractive refinancing.

3. Compare all the costs.
When comparing loans from multiple lenders, ask for a complete list of their fees and closing costs.

4. Question the brokers.
Use only brokers who disclose fees up front. To find such a broker, go to www.upfrontmortgagebrokers.org. You want to avoid using a broker who could put you into a more expensive loan just to claim a higher fee.