Buying a home with bad credit doesn't have to stop you from finding an affordable lender. By shopping online for a lender you can find the best lending rates for your situation. The following search tips will help you get started.

Gather Your Information

Before you begin searching for mortgage quotes, gather all your financial information ahead of time. A copy of your IRS tax form from last year will list most of the financial information you will need to enter.

If you are buying a home, know the home's price and how much you plan on putting down. Most mortgage lenders require at least 10% for people with poor credit, but 20% down will help you avoid private mortgage insurance, saving you hundreds a year.

Know Your Lender

Sub prime lenders specialize in high risk loans, particularly loans to people with bad credit. In order to cover this risk, sub prime lenders charge a couple of interest points higher than a traditional lender.

Most sub prime lenders will also require a down payment to ensure that they get at least something if they have to foreclose on the loan. However, legitimate sub prime lenders will not charge excessively high rates or fees, so read the details before you sign for a mortgage loan.

Compare Rates

Online mortgage rates can vary as much as 5% between lenders, which can add up to thousands over several years. Even half a percentage point will save you money, so compare several lenders before deciding on one.

Mortgage loan websites allow you to gather quotes from several lenders by having you enter your information once. This is a convenient way to compare rates since the quotes are all for the same loan amount with the same personal information.

Look For Fees

Mortgage rates are only part of the cost of a mortgage loan. You also need to add in the cost of points and fees to determine the total cost of the mortgage loan. Fees and points can be paid at the beginning of your loan or over the entire period of the loan.

Follow Through

Remember that a mortgage loan quote does not guarantee a loan rate a week later. Mortgage rates can vary daily, so once you find a good rate you need to lock it in by completing the loan process.

To view our list of recommended bad credit mortgage lenders online, visit this page: Recommended Bad Credit Mortgage Lenders Online.

Carrie Reeder is the owner of ABC Loan Guide, an informational website about various types of loans.