First-time homebuyers shopping for a mortgage have all the technology at their fingertips to make informed decisions, and financial experts say those resources should arm them with enough knowledge to prepare themselves, and even negotiate a better rate.

“In today’s environment, with so many things on the Internet, social media in general, there’s no reason why people shouldn’t be doing a lot more research,” said Jim Murphy, President and CEO of the Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals.

One of the biggest challenges can be finding a starting point. Begin by taking a hard look at your financial goals and then match them with the many features and functions a mortgage has to offer.

Murphy suggested visiting CAAMP’s website for the basics on mortgage shopping. CAAMP is the national organization representing Canada’s mortgage industry, with more than 12,250 mortgage professionals representing over 1,700 companies.

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