It's hard to imagine a more boring (and dreaded) word than "mortgage." But if you know where to look, you might find a mortgage that will save you thousands of dollars a year or discover that you qualify for a loan when you didn't think you could — and that's exciting! You might even find free money to help with a down payment. Here's what to remember: — Shop around at all kinds of lenders — especially if you're a first-time homebuyer. — Find out if you qualify for a grant to help with a down payment. — Get preapproved for a mortgage before you start looking at houses. — If you can afford it, get a 15-year mortgage. You will build wealth much more quickly than with a 30-year mortgage. — Remember that adjustable-rate loans are risky. — Shop around to see if you can avoid paying for private mortgage insurance, or PMI. — Don't let the dreaded HELOC monster — home equity line of credit — eat your home equity.