Each time you apply for a loan, and a lender asks to see your credit report, 10 or so points are subtracted from your credit score.

But when a number of mortgage lenders want to see your history all at once, Fair Isaac Corp. figures you're seeking quotes for a home loan.

That's a good thing and the creator of the FICO credit score won't penalize you for it.

Fair Isaac used to count a flurry of inquiries over a two-week period as a single request. But since homebuyers have become more determined shoppers FICO now counts all inquiries received over 30 days as a single request.

If you don't know your credit score, we can tell you the best way to find your FICO score.

Or click here for Interest.com's step-by-step plan for finding the best loan.

Whether you're buying a home or refinancing an existing mortgage, we have a mortgage calculator that can help you make the right decisions.