RESOURCE GUIDE
Mortgage shopping starts with the whole loan
Use official resources to understand loan offers and the questions to ask before choosing a mortgage.
By Staff Writer · Reviewed 2026-10-05
What to compare
A mortgage decision begins with the full offer. Organize each lender’s documents together so that loan terms, upfront costs and the payment you expect can be considered side by side. The CFPB’s mortgage-shopping guide provides a starting point for this process.
Who this helps
This guide is for households preparing to buy or refinance. Borrowers already facing payment difficulties can use the CFPB’s mortgage resources to find guidance for that situation instead of relying on a shopping guide.
Your next step
Open the official mortgage-shopping guide below and use it to prepare questions for prospective lenders. Verify the terms of your own offer directly with the lender. This resource page does not quote current rates or advertise a particular lender.