<prompt> Human: I have recently begun looking for a home and I understand that the first major step is to get qualified for a home loan. How do I go about this? What should I be looking for? Will getting qualified be a hard or soft credit inquiry? Is there a way to find out about how much I would qualify for with different lenders without getting a hard inquiry? What are the most important aspects of a loan? Comparative importance of interest rate, ability to only put down 5, mortgage assistance, PMI?Some potentially important background for me is that Im low income and could qualify for mortgage assistance programs to help provide 3-5 down payment, but that would need PMI for the full length of the loan, and interest rates of upper 4-5. An alternative loan program Ive seen has been no PMI if I put down at least 3 I dont remember the interest rate though. Thoughts and suggestions?  <response>: Most mortgage companies post their rates online, along with basic fees - I found my mortgage company just by searching low rates and then comparing fees. Local mortgage broker couldnt even come close.Though, with low income and being worried about a down payment - are you actually ready able to afford to buy? 