It pays to shop around for a lender. In addition to comparing interest rates, you'll want to consider total costs. Points are a one-time payment that guarantees the lending institution a profit and protects it against rising interest rates.
Lenders generally require title insurance as a condition of obtaining a mortgage.
An owner's policy protects the buyer's interest. Cost for title insurance policies vary by state and by the purchase price of the property. Generally, you pay the one-time premium at the time of closing. With a fixed-rate mortgage, you have the assurance that your mortgage payments will stay the same over the life of the loan. A variable-rate mortgage, which typically starts out at a lower monthly cost, may allow you to buy a home you otherwise could not afford.