If you are in the process of taking out a new mortgage or refinancing your existing mortgage, there are a number of things that can go wrong along the way. Doing your homework and researching mortgage offers and lenders will help you avoid these pitfalls. Here are suggestions to help you on the right path with your new mortgage.Avoid Predatory Mortgage LendersPredatory mortgage lenders take advantage of their borrowers by overcharging for lender fees and interest rates. Despite laws protecting borrowers from dishonest mortgage lenders, predatory lending practices are still common in the marketplace. Fortunately when you do your homework and research mortgage offers the dirty lenders are easy to spot. You can sign up for a free mortgage guidebook to learn how to comparison shop for the best mortgage offer.Avoid the Wrong Mortgage OfferChoosing the wrong type of mortgage for your financial situation could lead to a financial disaster. If you choose a mortgage with very low initial payments that later adjusts to a much higher interest rate or payment amount you could lose your home if unable to keep up on your payments. There are many different types of mortgage loans with varying degrees of risk; before taking out a mortgage it is important to understand the risks associated with the type of mortgage you choose. Again, doing your homework by registering for a free mortgage guidebook will help you determine which type of mortgage is right for your financial situation.Clean Up Your Credit Before You ApplyThe interest rate and terms you will qualify for depends on your credit score. Your credit score is derived by the contents of your credit reports. Before applying for a mortgage it is important to request copies of your credit history from each of the three credit agencies. If you find errors in these records you will need to dispute the errors and have your records corrected prior to applying. You can learn more about shopping for the best mortgage while avoiding common borrower mistakes by registering for a free mortgage guidebook.