The most common type of mortgage program where your monthly payments for interest and principal never change. Property taxes and homeowners insurance may increase, but generally your monthly payments will be very stable.
Fixed rate mortgages are available for 30 years, 20 years, 15 years and even 10 years. There are also "biweekly" mortgages, which shorten the loan by calling for half the monthly payment every two weeks. (Since there are 52 weeks in a year, you make 26 payments, or 13 "months" worth, every year.)
Fixed rate fully amortizing loans have two distinct features. First, the interest rate remains fixed for the life of the loan. Secondly, the payments remain level for the life of the loan and are structured to repay the loan at the end of the loan term. The most common fixed rate loans are 15 year and 30 year mortgages.
During the early amortization period, a large percentage of the monthly payment is used for paying the interest. As the loan is paid down, more of the monthly payment is applied to principal. A typical 30 year fixed rate mortgage takes 22.5 years of level payments to pay half of the original loan amount.
Current 30 year fixed rates are running from 5.8% to 6.25% depending on the lender and your FICO score. Be sure to shop around for the best rate. Avoid Adjustable rate mortgages and loans from sub prime lenders.
It is also important to shop for your homeowners insurance as the yearly rates vary widely company to company.
With some builders it is also possible to save some money by using their sales people and recommended mortgage companies. Otherwise check the references of a few agents and mortgage companies, interview them and then choose the one you want to work with.
Good luck and best wishes.