X

How are our long-range forecasts panning out? See the Mid-year review of our 2025 Mortgage and Housing Market Outlook.

How are our long-range forecasts panning out? See the Mid-year review of our 2025 Mortgage and Housing Market Outlook.

Should I lock in my interest rate or wait?

Q: Interest rates are on the rise for home loans (30 yr FHA), but we have the option to wait to lock, will the rates continue to climb? should we lock now at 4.875% or wait until Jan? We're scheduled to close Feb 28, 2011.

A: Rates increased at the end of 2010 but have mostly stabilized. In general, we suggest that you lock in your interest rate when it is at a level which makes your deal work, rather than trying to time any bottom or dip in rates. To follow rates, read HSH.com's weekly MarketTrends newsletter, Two-Month Forecast for mortgage rates or even our latest Annual Outlook.

Ask the expert
Keith Gumbinger
Keith Gumbinger
Mortgage Expert
Vice President, HSH.com
About Keith: Mortgage market observer and analyst with 35 years experience... (more)
Please enter a question.
Please enter name.
Please enter email.
Captcha code invalid
Q: Does mortgage insurance assist the survivors of a deceased policy holder?
APR 08, 2025
A:

Credit life insurance is sold to homeowners as a means to pay off the mortgage in the event of the death of the homeowner.

Read More
Q: I don't have a Social Security number. Can I get a mortgage?
MAR 31, 2025
A:

Fannie Mae states they do back loans for borrowers who have no Social Security number.

Read More
Q: Will I pay an ACA/ObamaCare tax when I sell my home?
JAN 17, 2025
A:

Some homeowners will pay this 3.8 percent tax when they sell their homes, but only if they meet certain conditions.

Read More