 TITLE: How to Compare Mortgage Rates CONTENT: When Should I Start Shopping for a Mortgage?\n--------------------------------------------\nYou should start shopping for a mortgage when your credit is in good shape and you have enough money saved for a down payment. If your credit isn't up to par, you can start making improvements now and working on your overall financial health.\nTo get a better idea of the loan terms you're likely to be offered, consider getting preapproved. Be mindful, though, that mortgage preapprovals generally only last for up to 90 days. If your income or creditworthiness changes, you could receive a higher interest rate or be denied a home loan when you submit your application. END