I am constantly being quizzed as to why I do not post mortgage rates on our web-site. That is a question with a very easy answer: why, the rates won't be good for the majority of those who would view them.

The mortgage industry is not like some apparel manufacturers where one size fits all. It is almost the antithesis where one loan probably won't work for the 99.9% who would apply for the same program.

The easiest way for me to prove my point is with the chart that follows: There are approximately 30 choices to make in nine different categories. The chances that two borrowers will have the same results are very, very small.

Some terms that you might need to know are as follows:

1. Conforming loans: Conform to the rules of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac which currently have a $417,000 limit for single family residences; $533,850 limit for duplexes; $645,300 for triplexes and $801,950 for 4-plexes. In Hawaii, Alaska, Guam and The Virgin Islands limits are 50% higher.

2. Jumbo loans: One dollar more than the limit on the conforming loans.

3. Super Jumbo: Varies from lender to lender but can start as low as $650,000 or as high as $1.5 million.

4. Loan to Value: The amount of the loan divided by the value of the house determined by an appraisal. Continued...