65% of American homeowners have a mortgage. If you're considering buying property, it's likely that you'll also have to get a home loan — particularly if you're a first-home buyer.

Working with a mortgage broker can ensure you get the best possible deal. But it can be difficult to know just what you should ask to make the best possible decision. In this article, you'll learn the top mortgage questions you should ask to be as prepared and knowledgeable as possible.

Here are the top 10 mortgage questions you should ask your mortgage broker:

Buying a home is one of life's major expenses. That's why most people borrow money in the form of a mortgage. A mortgage is a long-term loan for the total cost of the property.

Mortgages usually require a down payment. A down payment is money you pay upfront to get the loan. Your down payment is subtracted from the total cost of the mortgage. It's your first piece of equity in the home.

Saving for a down payment is a major effort. Most potential homebuyers site the down payment as the biggest obstacle to homeownership. Your down payment, credit score, debt, income, and credit history influence your qualification.

A common myth is that you need 20 percent of the mortgage for a down payment. While a 20 percent down payment is ideal, it isn't common. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median down payment for first-time buyers is 6 percent. The average down payment for repeat buyers was 14 percent. Sometimes, a down payment isn't even necessary.

So, how much cash do you need to buy a house? Keep reading to learn what you need to know before you buy a home.

Buying a house is no small undertaking. It takes time and consideration--not just what house you want to buy but where you want to buy, what you can afford, and what kind of mortgage you should get.

And while we're no longer in the 2008 crisis, the US mortgage market is still confusing for new home buyers.

Here, we're helping you figure out ARM v. fixed mortgage and which one is right for you when you choose your home in the Seattle suburbs.

That 30-year mortgage sounded great at the time, right?

Now you're looking into the future and thinking about how old you'll be in 30 years. Do you really want to be paying off the same mortgage until then?

That idea is the same reason so many Americans start looking for ways to pay their mortgage early. Before you get too discouraged, realize paying off your mortgage faster is doable. In fact, 19.9% of all housing units in the US are occupied by an owner who's mortgage-free.

If you want to join that 19.9%, you've come to the right place. There are plenty of strategies available that depend on your budget, interest rate, and other circumstances. Try these strategies on for size: