It's a good idea to get a real estate attorney or trusted financial advisor with a knowledge of real estate financing to review all loan paperwork with you well in advance of your closing. Get this professional to check those loan papers twice, first at the application stage, with all the application forms and your initial estimate of fees, and then at closing with the final paperwork you'll sign. Those numbers can change. Based on how significantly they change, your lender needs to have answers, and you need to be confident you're paying a fair amount for the loan.

Given all the money you'll pay in the coming years for that loan, it might seem irritating to pay extra for outside advice, but this expense has two benefits. First, you might save a significant amount of money, and second, these professionals will educate you well for any credit decisions you make in the future. Treat it as an education expense. And since you're paying these advisors for these services, get the most for your money — ask them about anything you don't understand.

One important point: You have to develop a way of questioning a lender firmly and informatively while not being a jerk about it. Remember that the loan officer you're dealing with may be in a position to help you as well as hurt you, and also realize that he is facing job pressures of his own. Of course, if you are consistently failing to get clear answers from this person, or if he is in any way condescending about the questions you're asking, don't waste your time. Thank him or her and leave.