I fully suggest a mortgage broker and not a bank. A bank is only going to give you their rate and they know that people come to them every day, so they jerk you around. Just had a friend go through Bank of America and they did a 90 day close(which raises the rate) and just dont care. I went through a mortgage broker and he got me in on a 15 day close(saves money) and was much nicer/ let me wait for the day i wanted to lock my rate, etc. They are also able to shop rates of different banks to find the best rate for you.
If you want the number of the guy I used, let me know. I have now had 2 other friends use him and they have all been happy.
My mom is a real estate agent too, 15 years in the biz, but if you are buying new, its not necessary. They can help you a little bit when buying new, so that you dont get taken advantage of, and don't get pushed into bad decisions. They are also more skilled in seeing what the tricks are. I think it would be helpful, but I more strongly suggest a good mortgage broker.
Either way, PM if you want either/both numbers.
And when you want to put a pool in the backyard, my Dad owns Caribbean Pools. 18 years in biz, 5000+ pools in the ground in az, 4th largest in the valley, and great ratings(google). And he has a fish tank in his office, and i have his old fish tank. So who wouldn't want to buy a pool and look at a fish tank at the same time, easy decision there.
