Is the LOWEST rate the most important part of a mortgage?

Today, various lenders have switched focus from battling for customers with the lowest rate, to advertising the "features" of the mortgages. 

Some of these features may actually be important to you. For example, some lenders do not allow you to get out of your mortgage early, even if you're willing to pay the penalties. Others don't offer the ability to defer payments, should you find yourself in a bind and need a month off.

Check out this article:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/housing/rbc-bank-of-nova-scotia-shift-focus-from-mortgage-rates-to-features/article23678824/