Last week’s column explored finding a buyers’ agent and negotiating commissions .Today’s features tips on mortgage shopping.

Mortgage shopping can be a complicated and time-consuming process. Here’s what you need to know to educate yourself — whether you’re on the road to homeownership or refinancing an existing note.

If you’ve previously had a good experience with a mortgage loan originator, go right back to that person. Like I said last week, don’t fix it if it’s not broken.

If you don’t already have an excellent mortgage loan originator, ask trusted family and friends for recommendations.

You can ask your agent or the homebuilder, too, but be careful. Some agents will honestly provide their best recommendations. Others may have a business relationship with a lender or a requiremen

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