When buying a home, you have a lot on your mind. Which property is best for you? Is now the right time to make a purchase? How much can you afford to spend?

While these types of questions are sure to be swirling around, there is another one you need to answer: how are you going to find the best mortgage lender?

Although this may sound like a complicated process that is full of landmines, you can cut through the clutter and make a good decision if you focus your attention on the appropriate details.

In addition to considering both local and national lenders, don’t overlook the importance of finding a bank with a “grade A” reputation.

When it comes time to find a mortgage lender, these three tips will guide you in the right direction:

1. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. There is help to be had (more on this to come), however, this doesn’t mean you should remove yourself from the process.

In addition to calling lenders on the phone, there is plenty of information available online. Set aside a few hours to research your options, and you will soon be surprised at all the information and advice you come across.

2. Hire a mortgage broker. If you want to remove yourself from the process, at least to a certain degree, you can hire an experienced mortgage broker.

This person has one job and one job only: to shop your loan among multiple lenders, helping you find the one that is best for you.

The help you receive is beneficial, but there is a potential problem. Some brokers will pair you with the lender that pays them the highest commission, not the one that is necessarily the right fit.

Unless you can trust your mortgage broker with 100 percent confidence, you may be better off holding back on this for the time being.

3. Ask your real estate agent for help. Most experienced agents can recommend several reputable lenders. You don’t have to use one of these lenders, but it is a great jumping off point if you are lost and looking for answers.

Remember, your realtor wants your deal to go through. For this reason, they will be more than willing to help you with the financing part of the process.

Are you putting too much stress on yourself as you search for a mortgage lender? By following the tips above, you will find yourself in position to compare multiple options and eventually make an informed decision.