Don't limit your search to the Net, though. Ask if they can beat the national rates. Often, the local lender can offer a better deal simply because he or she knows the local market and wants to keep your business. You might also consider using a mortgage broker, a middleman who keeps tabs on rates from a multitude of lenders. The mortgage broker isn't paid directly by you but gets paid by the bank.
Most search engines have extensive listings of mortgage brokers.
There's also a trade group, the National Association of Mortgage Brokers . There are several different loan types, each suitable for different homebuyers. First determine whether you want a fixed-rate or an adjustable rate mortgage. With a fixed rate, you lock in a monthly payment amount that will remain constant throughout the life of the loan, even if interest rates rise. If interest rates fall, you can either continue paying your higher preset rate, or you could refinance your loan, though that would mean paying additional closing costs.