When it comes time to look into mortgages it pays to search as many avenues as possible.

• Gather information: All loans require basic information so it makes sense to gather the documents etc. for the preapproval process. This includes banking, checking, savings, investment information; debt obligations – credit cards, car loans, student loans child support, etc.; two years of tax returns – W-2s, 1099s, etc,; employer and salary and employer information; down payment information.
• What kind of loan: Fixed rate, adjustable-rate loan (ARM), Federal Housing Administration (FHA), VA loan, Other (USDA Rural Development loan. Bridge loan, etc.
• Investigate lenders: Big banks, neighborhood banks, credit unions, savings and loans, online mortgage lenders, provate lenders