With the slowing housing market, rising interest rates and lenders tightening the reins on their mortgage qualification requirements, it's extremely important to get the best mortgage at a good interest rate Keep reading for four tips you can use to get the best mortgage in today's residential real estate market

Approximately one half of all new home buyers check mortgage rate quotes online Most mortgage providers offer calculators that allow you to calculate your monthly payment once you input your principal, interest rate and terms

Most people don't realize it, but you typically pay more for your mortgage loan than you do for the house In fact, quite a bit more

A HELOC (home equity line of credit) works somewhat similar to a credit card, but it is secured and protected by the equity in your home - equity equals the market value of your home minus the balance owed on your mortgage Whatever the size of your home equity credit line, you pay interest only on the amount you use