When do I lock my mortgage rate after an accepted offer?

Rate locks typically happen once a buyer's loan moves far enough through underwriting that the lender confirms the loan terms, which a buyer's loan officer times based on the contract's closing date and current rate movement. Locking too early can mean paying to extend it if closing slips, while waiting too long carries the risk of a rate change. Joel Boss coordinates with a buyer's lender so the rate lock timing lines up with the rest of the closing schedule.