But as Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., sees it, the meltdown in the U.S. housing market poses as much of a threat to the nation's economic ...(Money Magazine) -- Spend 27 years in Congress and you're bound to encounter more than one financial train wreck. To make sure that you're getting the best rate available in the market, it is important that you also obtain all information on important costs involved. Getting the best mortgage rate is knowing how much of a down payment you can afford. Aside from that, getting the best mortgage rate is knowing what is the interest rate of your loan.