Make certain you know what you are signing before the closing.

Buying a home can be a daunting and sometimes stressful time. Not knowing what exactly you are signing can be even more stressful. When you sit down with a lender and discuss your financing options make sure you are dealing with someone that doesn't mind taking the time to explain all the ins and outs of the document.

You don't want to be sitting in your new home wondering if you got the most competitive rate and if the broker had really been on your side.
 

Some issues you need to consider and rethink when shopping for a loan:

• Shop around and compare. Its ok to have a few lender review your credit and obtain the best rate for you. This is YOUR money you are spending
• Negotiate. You don't have to be locked into exactly what they say... See what their wiggle room is. A lot of time they can deduct fees and points.
• Be cautious and don't act immediately. Again, ask questions and think on it a while before deciding.
• Understand the terms of your loan. If your lender doesn't or won't take the time to explain but you think they have good rates, take those rates to someone who will be competitive but still take the time to explain the fine print.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions.
• Read carefully before you sign. Make sure you are not signing something you didn't request, i.e. pre-payment penalties etc.
• Borrow only the amount you need and can afford to repay. This may also be less then you CAN afford. Just because you qualify for a loan doesn't mean you have to max it out.
• Immediately get help if you think you have been victimized. Trust your get feelings. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.

Many times you can get to closing and find all new fees and increases that were not discussed previously. Make sure you ask about it. It may be an easy fix or it might be a scam. Never hesitate to investigate on your own behalf.  Last year, 209 complaints about mortgage brokers were filed with the state Attorney General's Office.
The three biggest red flags to watch for: lack of a disclosure (the good-faith estimate), a request to sign blank documents, or discovery at closing that the good-faith estimate is nothing like what you thought it would be.

Having all the information upfront and knowing what fees are set can help you feel more in control of the process.

There is so much information out there, and you really have to take time to go over it, and it shouldn't be that on the last day before closing you find out that there is a change. Although most people signing all the paperwork just want to get it over with and go home, you should remember that even if the process was stressful, this is the last stint and it is the most important so make certain you understand all you are signing!