If you're a newb hire a broker and let someone else do the shopping. They can usually get a better rate than you would walking into a bank anyways.
http://www.mtgfoundation.com/2007/07...e-broker.html/
To find one ask friends for referals. You can also try this:
http://www.namb.org/namb/Default.asp
Start tracking the daily rates so you know when you want to lock.
http://www.bankrate.com/brm/graphs/g...t=1&prodtype=M
Ooh, I just checked. Rates are pretty good today. Almost refi good. That would be a great gift for anyone on a variable apr that is in a tight spot right now. Could be the start of the end of the current crisis /side note