Try this no-nonsense explanation of how loans and lending work.  Then consider talking with a loan officer to put together your strategy.  Your lender is required to provide you with a "Good Faith Estimate" of costs associated with a loan.  But don't expect a credible "interest rate" quote until 30-45 days before you expect to close on a home.  

But you can and should check current loan rates.  Try another source that predicts future loan rates. Try yet another loan rate site specifically aimed at our region.  Find out what makes loan interest rates raise or fall. Your attention will be rewarded.    

Before you pack for San Antonio, set aside loan related documents you'll need to process a loan.  Alternate ways can usually be found to put together a loan qualifications, but the best way is always to bring those documents them with you.

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We recommend that you get "pre-qualified" or even "pre-approved" for a loan.  Pre-qualifying involves a few minutes on-line or on the phone.  If your financial status is OK and if no erroneous data is on your credit report, you may be pre-qualified immediately to purchase a home with a given monthly payment.  If there are issues to deal with, you'll be glad you started early.  

Chris Boyd with WR Starkey Mortgage is ready to help.  He broker's mortgage loans with lenders throughout the country to get you the best rate's possible from an array of loan sources. He's there to give you advice about how to devise your financial strategy.

You should not need to pay any up-front fees of any sort to WR Starkey  or to any other lender until you are totally satisfied of what is best for you.  If you do pay fees in advance, you may feel "hooked" when that lender quotes an "above market" rate and you feel financially obligated to continue.

Are you a Military Veteran?  If so, you'll probably be eligible for a VA Loan.  Apply for a VA Certificate of eligibility by completing their eligibility form and mailing it to the specified regional office.  Most recently, the state of Texas began allowing "instant residency" for active duty military, enabling you to receive below market loans.  Contact the Texas Veterans Land Board for details and application procedures.

PRE-APPROVAL FOR A LOAN
"Pre-approval" means that the lender guarantees your capability to purchase a home with a given sale price of a home based on interest rates prevalent at the time. It includes an in-depth credit analysis and involves substantially more interplay between you and the lender.  Getting pre- approved is not usually an essential part of your planning, unless you have credit issues identified during the pre-qualifying process.

Find out more about the cancellation of private mortgage insurance. An expense that should not be paid any longer than necessary.

Keep in touch with 30 year Mortgage interest rate trends from Bank Rate and get credit and mortgage news on a recurring basis from Bank Rate Mail. Be careful to uncheck those email news items that you don't need. Otherwise, you'll be swamped with unwanted email.

Loan Industry Lingo
You may want to start with the terms used by the loan industry.