While online tools, such as our mortgage rate comparison tool above, allow you to compare current average mortgage rates by answering a few questions, you’ll still want to compare official Loan Estimates from at least three different lenders to ensure you are getting the best mortgage rate with the lowest monthly payment.
After applying for a mortgage, the lender will provide a Loan Estimate with details about the loan. Pay specific attention to which lender has the lowest mortgage rate, APR, and projected principal and interest payment. Then review the Origination Charges located on the Loan Estimate under Loan Costs to see how much the lender is charging in fees (also reflected in the APR). The higher the fees and APR, the more the lender is charging to procure the loan. The remaining costs are generally applicable to all lenders, as they are determined by services and policies the borrower chooses, in addition to local taxes and government charges.
Source: zillow.com