There's no doubt that with the relatively low interest rates we've enjoyed in recent years, smart homeowners by refinancing mortgages have cut borrowing costs by millions of dollars. And that's the good news!

However a large number of refinancing applications has produced a significant rise in the number of disgruntled borrowers.

Mortgage complaints were higher in 2006 for such reasons as:

• the inability of consumers to get through on the phone to lenders.
• long loan processing waits, resulting sometimes in the borrower not getting the promised interest rate.
• and surprises at the time of closing with additional fees.

So be smart - shop around before you commit to a particular lender. Check out the rates on www.hhh.com and have all of your paperwork ready before the lock in clock starts.

Most importantly, check on the progress of your loan application every few days. You may not make any friends at your lending company, but being a bit of a pain will get you much more in control of the process.

Your tenacity WILL pay off BIG TIME over the life of your loan!!

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