You can get a mortgage from many different sources, like mortgage banking companies, commercial banks, community banks, credit unions, mortgage brokers, and other financial institutions.

To find a lender, you can:

• Contact your bank or financial institution. Sometimes lenders can offer better mortgage terms to current customers.
• Talk to real estate professionals.
• Consult a non-profit housing counseling agency in your area.
• Ask family members, friends, and coworkers.
• Use the Internet.
• Look through your local newspaper or telephone book.

Once you find a lender, they can help you:

• Get a pre-approval letter.
• Get a good-faith estimate in writing, itemizing approximate mortgage costs and fees.
• Handle pre-qualification.
• Secure mortgage financing.
• Determine a settlement date.

You'll need to decide how much money to borrow when you submit your application. The amount of your mortgage will be based on the purchase price of your house, your down payment, and other factors. It's important to do your homework before the application process; that's why we recommend getting pre-approved.

Check with any of the following organizations for special programs in your area.