As a homeowner looking to take out a new mortgage or refinance your current mortgage you need to do your homework before shopping for a loan. Doing your homework will help you avoid predatory lenders that want to take advantage of you.

Predatory mortgage lenders are more common than you think. Many homeowners are victims of these practices and do not even know it. Predatory lenders target homeowners with poor credit, first time buyers, minorities, and seniors with their lending practices. Mortgages can be an intimidating topic for many homeowners. The stresses of borrowing cause many to rush through the process; because of their haste many do not realize they are overpaying for their mortgage until it is too late. Here are steps to help you avoid being taken advantage of.

Shop For The Best Mortgage Deal

Compare mortgage offers from a variety of lenders and brokers. If an loan offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. By shopping from a variety of lenders and brokers you will have a good idea of what fair rates and fees are.

Know Your Limitations

If you have a poor credit rating expect lenders to offer you loans based on your situation. If a lender downplays your credit and overpromises based on what you know is realistic, you might question where that lender is coming from. Spend time going over your credit reports so you will know exactly where you stand and correct any errors you find.

Review All Lender Documentation

Read all the fine print on your mortgage contract. Question any blanks or errors you find; do not sign anything until you fully understand all aspects of the loan contract. Make sure all of the numbers the lender are presenting you add up, and that the interest rate and fees are exactly what you agreed to. When closing make sure nothing has changed in the contract; lenders may try to sneak something past you during the closing process.

To learn more about predatory lending practices and how not to be taken advantage of sign up for a free mortgage guidebook.