i had tons of questions too, first time is a learning experience. i was scared to death my first time. as for online payments, CW wanted almost $400 to set that up, check with your bank to see if you can do it without a fee, and if you can do bimonthly payments, you'll make 13 payments in a year, this can decrease the loan repayment time, alot.
i have a fixed rate 20yr, i think adjustable rate mortgages, or intrest only loans are too crazy for me. you still have to repay the principle, and a loan is a loan, the amount of money i borrowed is a finite amount, it doesn't go up and down, so why should the payments and the intrest? my property taxes, home insurance and PMI are bundled into my payments to CW, why are they charging so much, $1040, for you to pay those taxes and insurance yourself? that seems like a moneymaking scheme for them. what does your broker get from the bank s/he is recommending? have you read bankerate.com or home financing for dummies? and does your state/city offer home buying advice/grants for first timers? and really, if there are any changes from the good faith estimates that you get a few days before the signing, WALK AWAY. there are lots of other houses and mortgage companies, don't let them tell you at the last minute , you have to pay substantially more.