Charles Rutenberg Realty, Fort Lauderdale, The Scott Todd / Mike Imperiale Team can help you finance a home.

For most people, applying for the loan is one of the most distressing aspects of purchasing a home, but it doesn't have to be. I have a close business relationship with a lot of lending companies in the Fort lauderdale area, and they've helped me recognize a few things that can make the process of applying for a loan a breeze.

1 – Compile a list of questions regarding your loan program

If you find that you don't completely understand the advantages and disadvantages of all the various loan programs, be sure to have a list of questions with you. I or one of my lenders can assist you in understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each program, because it's a challenge to understand the differences between fixed and adjustable rate mortgages.

2 – Decide when you want to lock

When you lock in the rate, it denotes that the lender commits to the mortgage interest rates for the loan – generally at the time the loan application is presented. By floating the rate, you can lock the rate anytime between the day you apply for your loan and issuance of closing documents. Buyers who choose to float presume that the interest rates will drop in the near future. Click here to see the outlook for the next 90 days of interest rates.

3 – Decide if you want to pay additional points to reduce your interest rate

When you decide to pay additional points to lower the rate of your loan, you'll do so by paying for them in cash at closing. Every point is 1 percent of the loan. To determine if you should purchase points, click here to use our points calculator.

4 – Bring your paperwork

Acquiring a mortgage loan requires a lot of paperwork, so you should take some time to get your documentation together. Click here to get a list of typical loan documentation.