Before you rush out and get that new mortgage, sit back and take a few steps that can help you get a better interest rate and a better overall loan pacage.

Step one is to improve your credit score if its weak. You do this by reducing your credit card debt, making sure you make all your payments in a timely manner and you do all this for several months.

Next request a copy of your credit report and eliminate any errors in it that may be hurting your credit score. Many credit reports contain numerous errors and inaccurate information. Eliminate as many of these as you possibly can.

Now go out and intereview at least three different lenders on the same kind of loan package and pick the best of them. Only by comparison can you see whether you have a competitive loan or whether you need to keep looking around.