Securing a lower mortgage rate depends on factors like credit score, down payment size, employment history, and debt-to-income ratio. To improve your chances, focus on enhancing your credit score by making timely payments, reducing debt, and maintaining a low credit utilization ratio. Save for a substantial down payment, build a consistent employment history, and maintain a positive debt-to-income ratio. Additionally, explore different loan types, consider paying mortgage points, and compare quotes from multiple lenders to find the best rates.