Lock It In: How We Secure You the Best Mortgage Rate From Day One to Closing

Tammy WandzuraMortgage Broker
Mortgage Rates
June 3, 2025

It All Starts With a Solid Foundation

From Application to Pre-Qualification

As soon as you apply, we collect a full and detailed application along with all your supporting documents. This step isn’t just paperwork—it’s the foundation of a strong file that we can take to any lender with confidence.

By having a complete package ready up front, we’re able to move quickly the moment you find a home. This makes a big difference in today’s fast-paced real estate environment where delays can cost you—both in opportunity and interest rate.

We Stay Ready—So You Don’t Have to Get Ready

Preparing Your File for Lender Review

While you’re actively house hunting, we’re working behind the scenes. Your file is fully prepped and ready to go—so when that perfect home pops up and you have an accepted offer, we’re not scrambling. We simply hit ‘submit.’

This proactive approach means we’re ready to lock in a mortgage solution the same day your offer becomes firm. It also means we can react faster than the market changes—and in today’s environment, that’s crucial.

Not All Rate Holds Are Created Equal

Understanding Lender Rules

Here’s where it gets a little technical (but we make it simple for you!). Not all lenders allow rate holds—and rate specials cannot be locked in. So, our job is to monitor who’s offering what, and when.

Some lenders don’t allow you to lock in a special discounted rate unless your offer is firm and the application is live. That’s why our strategy involves a balance between rate monitoring and smart timing. 

The Market Moves—So Do We

We Monitor Constantly

Here’s how we protect you smartly without wasting any time.

When rates are stable or trending downward, we don’t lock in a rate right away. Why? Because rate holds in these conditions are simply unnecessary. Instead, we keep your file on standby and actively monitor the market daily.

Now—if we see signs that rates are moving up or if we get notice from our lenders that an increase is coming, we’ll jump into action. In those cases, we submit your application immediately to secure a rate hold before rates climb. That rate hold lasts for 120 days, giving you a cushion of security while you continue house hunting.

What Happens After the 120 Days?

Still Looking? We’ve Got You

If you don’t find a home within 120 days, no problem. As long as you’re actively looking, we’ll continue monitoring the market. If the environment becomes unstable again, we’ll renew your rate hold. If not, we stay ready and keep watching.

There’s no need to lock a rate unless there’s a risk of increase. You’re never stuck with a rate hold if a better option comes along. We’ll always compare current rates and available discounts to make sure you get the best value.

Once You Have a Firm Offer

Now the Fun Really Begins

The moment you have a firm, accepted offer on a home, we revisit the entire mortgage marketplace. Even if we’ve already locked in a rate, we go back to compare that rate against current options, lender promotions, and term features to ensure you still have the best possible offer.

We present all viable options to you, so you can make an informed decision based on your goals, not just the rate.

Right Through to Closing

Rate Drop? We’ve Got You Covered

Even after we’ve secured lender approval and you’re counting down to possession day, our work doesn’t stop. We continue to monitor rates leading into your closing date.

If rates go up—you’re safe and locked in. If rates go down—we take action to lower your rate and revise your approval if needed.

This ongoing oversight gives you peace of mind knowing that you’ll never miss out on savings.

Refinances & Renewals – Same Strategy, Same Dedication

Whether you’re refinancing your mortgage or renewing at the end of your term, our approach doesn’t change. Once we receive your complete and formal request, we submit it to the lender and lock in the current best available rate.

Just like with a purchase, we’ll keep monitoring the market all the way to your funding date. We act quickly if rates move, so you never pay more than you need to.

Our Promise: You’ll Always Have Options

Throughout the entire process—application to closing—our job is to ensure you’re educated, protected, and confident in your mortgage strategy. That means:

  • You’ll always be informed about your rate options.
  • You’ll always have our team working behind the scenes to stay ahead of the market.

When you work with us, you’re not just getting a rate, you’re getting a full-service strategy that keeps you covered every step of the way.

Ready to Start?

If you’re thinking about buying, refinancing, or renewing, let’s talk early. The earlier we connect, the more we can do to protect your options and your bottom line.

Apply online or reach out directly—let’s lock in your mortgage success today.

Questions?

Let's talk about your mortgage journey

You've got questions? Tammy Wandzura and her team have answers. Start your application process, or reach out to find a time to chat. We're here to help.