Verify income if you want lender's trust

You should also include a credit union in your search if you belong to one or can join one. Credit unions typically offer some of the least-expensive loan programs for mortgages or cars.

Once you compile your list, you should make sure that the loan officer and mortgage company are in good standing in your state, and that there are no outstanding complaints against them through the Better Business Bureau (bbbonline.org).

Next, start calling the loan officers to chat about their offices, how long they've been in the business, how many mortgages they're currently working on and your situation.

(By now, you should have in hand a current copy of your credit history and credit score, which you can buy for $14.95 at MyFico.com or less if you obtain a free copy of your credit history through www.annualcreditreport.com. Ask the loan officer to assume that you have this particular score for the purpose of your initial consultation, so that your credit history isn't tapped unnecessarily.)

Contact Ilyce Glink at www.thinkglink.com, or by mail at Real Estate Matters Syndicate, P.O. Box 366, Glencoe, Ill. 60022, or by calling her radio show at 800-972-8255 from 11 a.m. to noon Sundays.