To buy a home, you likely need a mortgage. You can also get a second mortgage on a home you already have. Regardless of what sort of mortgage you need, the ideas ahead will help you attain it. Understand your credit score and how that affects your chances for a mortgage loan. Most lenders require a certain credit level, and if you fall below, you are going to have a tougher time getting a mortgage loan with reasonable rates. A good idea is for you to try to improve your credit before you apply for mortgage loan. Work with your bank to become pre-approved. Pre-approval helps give you an understanding of how much home you can really afford. It'll keep you from wasting time looking at houses that are simply outside of your range. It'll also protect you from overspending and putting yourself in a position where foreclosure could be in your future. If you can afford a higher monthly payment on the house you want to buy, consider getting a shorter mortgage. Most mortgage loans