Many newspapers will have a special "Real Estate" section on the weekend, where local lenders list their current mortgage rates. It's good to check these to get an idea of what you might pay.

Also, the allowance of prepayment penalties varies from State to State and program to program. For instance, in Massachusetts, prepayment penalties are typically not allowed unless the customer chooses a Pay Option, or Pick-A-Pay, or Negative Amortization Adjustable Rate Mortgage.

Some States have different loan amounts than other States depending on the lender. Your mortgage broker will be sure to check all of their lenders to ensure your getting the best available rates for OH.

Sometimes even local counties and cities will enact restrictions on lenders that can affect the rates, fees and loan programs that are offered.

Some lenders will only lend in certain states. This means that some programs simply are not available in the state you live in. Granted this doesn't happen too often but it does happen.

Mortgage rates can vary by state and by county within that state. One reason is foreclosures. A high percentage of foreclosures in a geographic area mean higher risk. This translates to higher interest rates.