In a sign Wall Street's troubles are far from over, Morgan Stanley announced a $3.6 billion fourth-quarter loss, driven largely by a $9.4 billion write-down of mortgage-related investments. Contrary to popular belief, getting a home mortgage is quite simple. All you need in order to make the right decision is to who where to look, what to look for, and what takes place when you apply for a home mortgage. Knowing what to expect, especially if you are a first-time homebuyer, may make it easier for you to get through the process.