When will I know my mortgage rate?

After you receive your pre-approval letter, you’ll have an idea of current rates based on your qualifications. However, your rate isn’t officially locked until you choose to lock it in – and that lock is only valid for a set number of days. I’ll help you monitor the market and decide the best time to lock your rate with confidence.

What does a mortgage calculator do?

A mortgage calculator gives you a clearer picture of what you can afford by estimating your monthly payment based on home price, down payment, interest rate, and more. It’s a great starting point to help you plan your budget and feel more prepared as you begin your home search.

What if mortgage rates change?

If mortgage rates change before you lock your rate, your quoted rate can go up or down with the market. Once you lock your rate, you’re protected from increases during the lock period – but you also won’t benefit if rates drop. I’ll help you stay informed so you can make the best decision for your timing and goals.

What credit score do I need to qualify for a mortgage?

The credit score required to buy a home differs based on the type of loan you’re applying for. But in general, the higher your score is, the easier it will be to get a great mortgage loan and a better interest rate.

What documents do I need to apply for a mortgage?

You will generally need to provide proof of income (pay stubs, W-2s), two months of bank statements, tax returns (if self-employed), and a photo ID. These documents verify your financial standing for pre-approval.

Kate Cusack | Mortgage Loan Officer

Meet our happy homeowners***

View All Testimonials

Grant H.

Odon, IN, Aug 16, 2026, 4:36 PM

5.0

Kate is the best loan office there is!

William P E.

Dyer, IN, Aug 5, 2026, 3:04 PM

5.0

Kate was fantastic. We were moving across the country and this part of our move was never something we were worried about because of our trust of Kate and her care for our home buying experience. Thank you!

Rachel K S.

Lowell, IN, Jul 7, 2026, 4:44 PM

5.0

Kate is super friendly and knowledgeable. She made the process seemless.

Joseph R R.

VALPARAISO, IN, Jun 22, 2026, 12:04 AM

5.0

Kate did an amazing job getting all of this done while I am night shift 7 days a week

Max M.

Cedar Lake, IN, Jun 20, 2026, 3:24 PM

5.0

Extremely easy to work with and made the whole process as simple as possible . Best experience I've had with buying a home

Lukas S. K.

Cedar Lake, IN, Jun 8, 2026, 2:13 PM

5.0

I do not have the right words to express how amazing Kate Cusack was during this entire prcoess. I am recently divorced and this was my first "solo" home purchase and Kate was so great and easy to work with. It was smooth and seamless and she took the fear our if it. She literally let me know any time things were needing to be signed, or sent to her, or anything that needed to be done. She answered questions I had for her before I even had a chance to ask them! I would reccomend her to anyone without a doubt!

Grant H.

Odon, IN, Aug 16, 2026, 4:36 PM

5.0

Kate is the best loan office there is!

William P E.

Dyer, IN, Aug 5, 2026, 3:04 PM

5.0

Kate was fantastic. We were moving across the country and this part of our move was never something we were worried about because of our trust of Kate and her care for our home buying experience. Thank you!

Rachel K S.

Lowell, IN, Jul 7, 2026, 4:44 PM

5.0

Kate is super friendly and knowledgeable. She made the process seemless.

Joseph R R.

VALPARAISO, IN, Jun 22, 2026, 12:04 AM

5.0

Kate did an amazing job getting all of this done while I am night shift 7 days a week

Max M.

Cedar Lake, IN, Jun 20, 2026, 3:24 PM

5.0

Extremely easy to work with and made the whole process as simple as possible . Best experience I've had with buying a home

Lukas S. K.

Cedar Lake, IN, Jun 8, 2026, 2:13 PM

5.0

I do not have the right words to express how amazing Kate Cusack was during this entire prcoess. I am recently divorced and this was my first "solo" home purchase and Kate was so great and easy to work with. It was smooth and seamless and she took the fear our if it. She literally let me know any time things were needing to be signed, or sent to her, or anything that needed to be done. She answered questions I had for her before I even had a chance to ask them! I would reccomend her to anyone without a doubt!

Joanna R M.

Crown Point, IN, Jun 2, 2026, 4:00 PM

5.0

Kate is amazing! Her communication skills and expertise are unmatched. We will absolutely refer Kate to anyone in a home buying situation.

Allison R.

Griffith, IN, Apr 29, 2026, 7:53 PM

5.0

Honestly Kate made everything so easy and was there to help us every step of the way. I went into buying a house clueless and nervous that itd be scary and confusing and overwhelming but she made sure we understood everything along the way and was always there to help answer any and all questions. I would 100000% recommend her to anyone I know looking to buy.

Holly Lea R.

Swayzee, IN, Apr 24, 2026, 3:04 PM

5.0

Kate was amazing and kept us informed durign all stages of the refinance of our home.

Alec S.

CROWN POINT, IN, Apr 20, 2026, 6:49 PM

5.0

Kate is great to work with

Lisa M.

Chesterton, IN, Apr 15, 2026, 3:09 PM

5.0

Kate is fantastic! I would highly recommend her (and have) to anyone needing a mortgage loan. Her customer service skills are impeccable.

Schyler S.

CROWN POINT, IN, Apr 14, 2026, 4:30 PM

5.0

This was my first home buying experience, and it went SO smoothly and efficiently!! I was so pleasantly surprised. Kate was amazing every step of the way!

Mark W F.

Chesterton, IN, Apr 6, 2026, 5:30 PM

5.0

Kate is always on top of everything. Very quick and responsive. A pleasure to work with.

Joanna R M.

Crown Point, IN, Jun 2, 2026, 4:00 PM

5.0

Kate is amazing! Her communication skills and expertise are unmatched. We will absolutely refer Kate to anyone in a home buying situation.

Allison R.

Griffith, IN, Apr 29, 2026, 7:53 PM

5.0

Honestly Kate made everything so easy and was there to help us every step of the way. I went into buying a house clueless and nervous that itd be scary and confusing and overwhelming but she made sure we understood everything along the way and was always there to help answer any and all questions. I would 100000% recommend her to anyone I know looking to buy.

Holly Lea R.

Swayzee, IN, Apr 24, 2026, 3:04 PM

5.0

Kate was amazing and kept us informed durign all stages of the refinance of our home.

Alec S.

CROWN POINT, IN, Apr 20, 2026, 6:49 PM

5.0

Kate is great to work with

Lisa M.

Chesterton, IN, Apr 15, 2026, 3:09 PM

5.0

Kate is fantastic! I would highly recommend her (and have) to anyone needing a mortgage loan. Her customer service skills are impeccable.

Schyler S.

CROWN POINT, IN, Apr 14, 2026, 4:30 PM

5.0

This was my first home buying experience, and it went SO smoothly and efficiently!! I was so pleasantly surprised. Kate was amazing every step of the way!

Mark W F.

Chesterton, IN, Apr 6, 2026, 5:30 PM

5.0

Kate is always on top of everything. Very quick and responsive. A pleasure to work with.

Calculate Based on Your Individual Needs

Purchase Calculator

Property Costs

Home Price

Down Payment

Property State

Property Tax

/mo.

Homeowners Insurance

/mo.

HOA Fees

/mo.

Loan Details

Loan Type

Length of Loan

Credit Score Range††

Interest Rate

Est. Monthly Payment†

$770.00

Principal & Interest

$770.00

Property Tax

$0.00

Homeowners Insurance

$0.00

HOA Fees

$0.00

PMI

$0.00

Total Monthly

$770.00

Apply Now

A Bit About Me

Buying a home is one of life’s biggest financial decisions, and I’m committed to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. I take the time to understand your goals and find financing solutions that fit both your current needs and long-term plans. Known for clear communication, responsiveness, and personalized service, I work closely with my clients from application to closing and beyond.

As an Indiana native who has proudly called Northwest Indiana home for over a decade, I’m passionate about helping individuals and families achieve homeownership. When I’m not helping clients, you’ll find me spending time with my husband and our dogs—Jake, Juno, and Jinx—traveling, reading, baking, or enjoying the outdoors.

I'm a Lake County Fair 3 time blue ribbon winner for blackberry cheesecake

I'm a big reader with a love of WWII fiction and nonfiction

Name a murder podcast and I've listened to it

Awards & Achievements

Top Mortgage Lenders

The Scotsman Guide’s list of Top Mortgage Lenders, a ranking of the nation’s top-producing mortgage companies.

Ruoff Customer Experience Award

Awarded for outstanding commitment to clients, a core component of Ruoff’s philosophy.

Ruoff Customer Experience Award

Awarded for outstanding commitment to clients, a core component of Ruoff’s philosophy.

My Latest Blogs

First-Time Homebuyer Guide: Buy Now or Wait for Lower Mortgage Rates in 2026?

May 13, 2026

First-Time Homebuyer Guide: Buy Now or Wait for Lower Mortgage Rates in 2026?

Meet our happy homeowners***

Calculate Based on Your Individual Needs

A Bit About Me

Awards & Achievements

My Latest Blogs

Experience the Ruoff Advantage

42

15 DAY

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15 DAY

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Calculate Based on Your Individual Needs

A Bit About Me

Awards & Achievements

My Latest Blogs

Experience the Ruoff Advantage

42

15 DAY

98.5%

42

15 DAY

98.5%