You as a consumer have numerous options when it comes to financing your home. You are able to choose the term (time period of 15,20,25,30 or even 40 years), documentation type (full or stated*), the option to get a lower rate through the purchase of discount points, and which company best fulfills your needs. The list goes on and on and with this variety of options comes the responsibility of your family's financial well being. In my opinion, the most important choice you will make is which type of mortgage company you will give your business to, retail or wholesale. This decision will either save you or cost you thousands of dollars, a great deal of time, a lot of headache and a little heartache.