Do women and men secure comparable mortgage rates? According to a 2006 study by Ping Chen, Professor of Florida Atlantic University, Department of Industry Studies, women on average pay more for mortgages because they have a tendency to rely on the recommendations of friends, while men appear to lean heavily on data. Chen discovered that women were 32 percent more likely to get a subprime mortgage than their male counterparts.

Daily Finance columnist Laura Rowley (quoted in AOL Real Estate) makes this suggestion to shoppers -- use the same script when calling on lenders. Call a small and mid-sized lender on the same day, as rates fluctuate. "Hi, my name is ____ and I'm in the market to buy a $____ house, and I'm going to put down ____ percent. I'm getting three written estimates, and then I'm going to choose. Can you email me a cost-estimate worksheet stating all the fees and the interest rate?"

For all would-be homeowners, reading up on mortgage and lending terms, shopping around, and talking with friends and trusted colleagues make for good financial practice. In the end, finding the lowest rate on the best terms is not personal. It's business.