Do some research before you submit any loan applications. Check out several lenders, ask about their interest rates and loan terms, and find out more about their loan process. Be careful, though, not to submit a flurry of applications in a short period of time. Activity such as this can actually make your credit rating worse, so make sure you learn as much as possible about each lender’s program before deciding whether or not to complete an application. You can also work with an independent loan broker to help determine which lenders have programs that fit your individual circumstances.