LOW MORTGAGE RATES

With home mortgage rates attheir lowest level in decades, youprobably think you can go to anylender and get a great rate. Still, a littlehomework can get you the lowestrate available. One of the best placesto start your research is at www.bankrate.com, where lenders are listedby state. If you're a first-timehomebuyer, get your hands on theHomebuyers' Mortgage Kit fromHSH Associates ($20; 800-873- 2837; www.hsh.com), which includesa list of the best mortgage rates inyour area. The Federal Trade Commission(www.ftc.gov) also has astep-by-step online guide to mortgageshopping that can help you getthe best deal.