While there's a lot of buzz about the mortgage industry right now, you may be surprised to know the vast majority of people can still get a great home loan with a great rate.

It's true the problems in the sub-prime market "loans for those with poor credit" have led to a tightening of guidelines for conventional home loans. That's why it's more important than ever to maintain good credit. If you have solid credit and you're able to fully document your income, the good news is that mortgage interest rates are very attractive.

What's the best way to stay on top of your finances right now? Here are a few tips:

Loans with Great Rates Still Exist

Even though there's trouble in the sub-prime market, lenders haven't stopped lending money to people with decent to good credit and a stable financial situation.

Know your mortgage

Understanding what kind of mortgage you have and the terms you've accepted is crucial. For example, if you have an adjustable-rate mortgage that's about to expire or your initial fixed rate is about to become adjustable - it's important to call me as soon as possible.

Just because your mortgage rate may be adjustable, however, doesn't necessarily mean that you must refinance right away. Depending on what your rate adjusts to, you may be safe to stick with your ARM until the market settles down a bit. On the other hand, it may make sense to refinance into a fixed-rate mortgage. I can explain where you stand and what makes sense to do next.

Take care of your credit

In today's market, some people can't qualify for a loan because of poor credit. Avoid the pitfalls by paying your bills on time.

Keep an eye on your monthly spending and credit card statements. Try to only put on your credit card what you can pay off that month. This helps pay off your card sooner and eliminate the possibility of digging yourself into a hole of debt. If you have credit card debt that is weighing you down, Discover how to pay off balances fast!

Despite the fact home loan options today are more limited, mortgages are still available and rates are still historically low. By maintaining good credit, you can get a great deal and stay atop of the curve.