Little known fact: Mortgage lenders are occasionally negotiable and will sometimes match lower lending rates or other costs in order to get your business. Just like any retailer will attempt to use urgency as a means to close your business, you have to avoid the urge to go with the first lender that will approve you, even if you have less than stellar credit, and instead shop around. Always remember that you're doing the lender the favor by giving them your business -- not the other way around.