10 do's and don'ts for acquiring an ideal mortgage - 2004-01-25
Here's the good news: More people than ever can acquire a home. Now for the bad: It's going to take a lot of time, restraint and some careful planning to get there.

"No. 1, pay your bills on time. There is no single element that can so dramatically impact the success of an application as your credit history," says Brian Israel, vice president of Chicago-based Harris Trust and Savings Bank's residential mortgage division. "Another thing, of course, is savings. People should have a good disciplined savings pattern."
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6 ways to cut mortgage costs - 2004-01-25
Ready to put down your hard-earned cash for a piece of the American pie? Make sure your financing is low fat.

Buying a home is likely the most expensive, long-ranging financial commitment most of us ever make. The more homework you do before heading out with a real estate agent or before making an offer on a home, the more likely you are to stretch your mortgage budget.
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