A good attitude can move mountains. It can also help you overcome bad credit. If you've experienced some rough times, but believe you can repair your credit, you will. One way to do it is to do your mortgage shopping online.

America is like one big shopping mall. If you want to buy something, chances are good that there's someone out there willing to sell it to you.

This even applies to homeowners with bad credit. If you've experienced some credit dings in the past, you can find a lender who will either refinance your current loan, or provide you with a new mortgage. To find a mortgage with a low rate, consider shopping for a lender online. Even though you might not be able to find a lender as easily as someone with good credit can, the Internet could lead you to a great loan.

Why consider a mortgage?

If you're considering a refinance because your debts are piling up, a new mortgage can help. Consolidating debts into one mortgage can lower your overall monthly payments. While your bad credit may cause you to get a loan at a higher interest rate, at least you can help your case by eliminating balances on high-interest credit cards.

If you're currently renting, a mortgage is a good financial move-even for someone with bad credit. People with damaged credit may wind up paying higher interest than someone with clean credit, but at least you'll be building equity. And if you can make payments on time, you'll eventually be able to refinance to a loan with a better rate.

Why shop online?

Shopping online for a new mortgage is a great way to find the best rates. The main benefit is that rates are posted there. It gives you the added security of knowing the actual rate when you're talking with a lender. Loan officers won't be able to draw you in with a low rate, and then bump it up right before closing.

For people with bad credit, this same luxury doesn't always apply. Most lenders will tell you that the loans they have for people with bad credit don't get posted online. There's really not much you can do as far as double-checking a rate from that point. However, by shopping strictly for rates before the prequalification process even begins, you'll get a good sense of who's offering the best mortgage deals overall. Chances are that these lenders will also have very competitive subprime products.

A mortgage can be a steppingstone to improving your credit. Use the Internet to find the lenders who offer the best rates. While most won't post rates for people with bad credit, shopping online will give you an idea of which lenders are competitive. It's a great place to start as you look for the mortgage that will get you heading in the right direction.