Originally Posted by RainGurl

i'd stay away from mortgage brokers and go straight to the lending source. we started out with a broker, ended up at a direct bank and saved 10s of thousands of dollars. brokers have to make their cut too. if you're willing to make the calls and fill out a few apps, you'll get a much better deal.

also be sure to get a good home warranty. once you move in, all kinds of little (or big) things will go wrong in the first year. we insisted on a warranty with our home which we bought just over a year ago. without it, we would have spent a ton on getting things fixed that were supposedly in good shape.

as for inspections, you'll get a "general" inspector. if he/she suggests calling out a specialist, do it. its worth the extra money and once you buy the house, there's no going back if you find out there is some major damage the inspector didn't find.

good luck!