Spoiler alert: Find out at least a year before you buy to avoid any potential heartbreaks.

You can find a lot of help with your down payment. If you know where to look.

You know there’s plenty to do before you get to the really serious house hunting, but it’s hard to resist. Hang on, you’re almost there. You’ve got to have one thing in hand before the fun begins: your preapproval letter.

It’s convenient. Immediate. We’re programmed to believe it. But are online mortgage lenders consistently offering the lowest mortgage rates?

The survey found that borrowers who start looking for a mortgage before they go house hunting and those who shop multiple mortgage lenders for their home loan tend to be more satisfied. It also named the most-favored and most-improved lenders for customer satisfaction.

Mortgage rates crept up again today, with 30-year fixed loans settling in above the 4% mark for the third straight day on Wednesday, according to a NerdWallet survey of mortgage rates published by national lenders this morning.

One small mistake could cost you thousands. Make sure and get the right help when you need it.

Are you on track to retire well? You could be with a better credit score. Find out here.