You can't control housing prices. But you can control your mortgage rate, which, in the end, has a bigger influence on your payment than small differences in the amount you borrow. The monthly payments on a $200,000 mortgage at 5% interest and a $180,000 loan at 6% are about the same.

What's the biggest factor determining the interest rate? Your credit scores.

Watch this video from Money Talks News to find out more.

Related links and tools

• Your 5-minute guide to credit scores
• Estimate your credit score range
• Search for rates by loan type and location
• Bing: Find more about credit ratings and scores
• Raise your credit score to 740

Continued: How to shop for a loan