The mortgage option method is a way that applicants wishing to take advantage of low mortgage interest rates, but who, for whatever reason, are unable or unwilling to initiate the application process at the present time, can obtain a right to the low mortgage rate at some time in the future when mortgage rates have increased. Designed for either the residential or commercial real estate market, method allows customers to lock-in a mortgage at the then current rate for up to four years by paying a nonrefundable up-front premium. The mortgage option may be exercised at any time during the option term, at a rate lower than the prevailing rates.