People who are looking for a mortgage today have many more options than those who were searching for a mortgage a few years ago, thanks to the Internet. Consider how technology has changed the way we do many things, including shopping for products and services - including loans and mortgages. This change is largely due to the sheer number of people who log onto the Internet every day and businesses that see the opportunity to tap into that market.

When people looked for a mortgage using only local lenders, options were greatly limited. If you couldn't find a good deal in your immediate area, you could make the drive to neighboring cities and begin the application process all over. Today, thanks to the hundreds of lenders who use the Internet to market their service, you are no longer bound by geographic restrictions. Instead, you can shop for a mortgage from lenders across the country and even around the world.

Another great benefit of searching for a mortgage from an online lender is that these lenders are in direct competition for your business. For the consumer, this means that you're more likely to find great rates on the mortgage you're applying for. Because you're shopping with multiple lenders at the same time, it's also easy to compare the terms of those loans making it easier to choose a mortgage that suits your circumstances.

Remember that you still have to be smart about the shopping process. Don't offer up personal financial information such as social security numbers, bank account numbers and other identifiers until you are making an application. During the shopping process, you should be able to get interest rates, terms and other information without providing that kind of identification. Be wary of up-front fees and lenders that guarantee you'll be approved for a mortgage regardless of credit history. Take time to check out the company's privacy policy on the website before you apply online and verify that the company actually exists. A reputable lender will have a home office with a physical address and real people who answer the phone when you call.

Jeff Lakie is the founder of Online Mortgage Quote - a website providing free mortgage quotes.