Should I lock or float my rate?
We always say – no one has a crystal ball on this. Locking in a rate must be your decision, however, here are some good ways of looking at it:
On a refinance transaction, if the savings you will achieve with the new lower rate will recapture the closing costs of the loan in a relatively short period of time, you should probably go ahead and lock your rate and close your loan. Trying to time the bottom of an interest rate cycle is tricky and each month you delay costs you in the form of carrying a higher interest rate on your old loan. If rates fall further, you can always refinance again with us.
On purchase transactions, in times of stable interest rates, most of our customers lock when they are within 30 days of closing. Locking for a period longer than 30 days increases the cost of the loan slightly but is sometimes a good idea if rates are volatile. If your closing is more than 30 days out, we recommend you compare rates and points on our website for 30, 45 and 60 day locks and make your decision accordingly.
- What is an ARM?
- Should I consider a loan with private mortgage insurance (PMI)?
- What is the minimum down payment required on a purchase mortgage?
- What is the maximum percentage of my home’s value that I can borrow on a refinance loan?
- What is the maximum debt-to-income ratio allowed?
- Is paying off an existing second mortgage or home equity line considered cash out?
- Can I keep my existing second mortgage or home equity line and refinance my first mortgage?
- Can Empire of America finance the purchase of a property through a short sale?
- Am I able to refinance a property that was recently listed for sale?
- What is the difference between a conforming loan, a super conforming loan and a jumbo loan?
- Can I apply before I find a property and get pre-approved?
- What is a subordination agreement?
- What is a three-day right to cancel?
- What is title insurance and why do I need it?
- What is prepaid interest?
- What is the difference between an Interest Rate and an APR?
- What should I do if I’m not sure about the annual real estate taxes?
- What steps should I take if I become a victim of identity theft?
- How can I obtain a free credit report?
- Do you have any programs that don’t require income documentation?
- What supporting documentation is required?
- How quickly can you close my loan?
- What is your rate lock policy?
- Are any fees collected when I lock?
- What if rates drop after I’ve locked?
- What happens if the loan process takes longer than my lock period?
- Can I choose a different program or rate after I’ve locked?
- Can I relock my rate if I cancel and reapply?
- If rates fall after I’ve locked, will you lower my rate?
- What is an escrow/impound account?
- What are included in your closing costs? What are pre-paids & are they different from closing costs?
- Why do you charge a Lender Fee?
- Should I pay discount points?
- What is a rebate/credit?
- Can I prepay the loan without a penalty?
- What is your minimum credit score requirement?
- How can you offer such low rates?
- Is there a fee or any obligation if I apply?