Are rate lock fees refundable?
Rate lock fees will vary based on the length of your rate lock period and interest rate chosen. We will refund the rate lock fee if your application is denied. If you withdraw your loan application or it is cancelled, the upfront extended rate lock fee may not be refunded unless the application is for a VA loan.
Lenders can waive rate lock extension fees, but it depends on why an extension is needed. For instance, if the lender causes the delay due to a slow mortgage underwriting process, they may waive any fees associated with extending your rate lock.
You can back out of a mortgage rate lock, but there are consequences. Backing out of a rate lock means giving up the application you've put time and money into. You'll have to start your mortgage application over from the start, and you'll likely have to re-pay fees like the credit check and home appraisal.
Some closing costs are negotiable. Negotiable fees. These can include homeowners insurance, rate lock fee, loan application fee, origination and underwriting fee, Real estate agent commission, and title insurance. Non-negotiable fees.
If interest rates go up after you've locked in your rate, you get to keep the lower rate. On the other hand, if you lock your rate and interest rates fall, you can't take advantage of the lower rate unless your rate lock includes a float-down option.
Mortgage rates often fluctuate, but a rate lock can protect the rate your lender has quoted you from such fluctuations. While you may need to pay for it and it doesn't guarantee the lowest rate, it provides the peace of mind that comes with knowing the cost of your mortgage won't increase before you close.
However, lenders are allowed to change some costs under certain circ*mstances. If your interest rate is not locked, it can change at any time. Even if your interest rate is locked, your interest rate can change if there are changes to your application information or if you do not close within the rate-lock timeframe.
The latest forecasts expect mortgage rates to go down in 2024 and 2025, with experts predicting that 30-year rates could fall somewhere between 5.9% and 6.1% by the end of this year. Lower rates will boost affordability for many would-be homebuyers, allowing them to come back onto the market.
The best day of the week to lock in a mortgage rate is Monday. This is because the history of mortgage rates shows it's the least volatile day of the week when it comes to the mortgage market. Potential homebuyers will want to avoid volatility.
Also, keep in mind that the lender can void a rate lock if certain items on your credit report or mortgage application change between the time of your agreement and final underwriting. The sweet spot is the optimal combination of the interest rate, term and costs.
What is the downside of a rate lock to the borrower?
There can be a downside to a rate lock. It may be expensive to extend if your transaction needs more time. And, a rate lock may lock you out of a lower interest rate if rates fall after you get your loan offer.
A loan lock provides the borrower with protection against a rise in interest rates during the lock period. The lender may charge a lock fee, which the borrower must pay if they do not lock the interest rate.
How Much Are Rate Lock Extending Fees? Rate lock extension fees vary based on the lender and loan terms. Typically, the fee is a percentage of the loan amount or a set fee per day or week of the extension, ranging from around 0.25% to 0.375% of the loan amount. Some lenders may charge a flat fee, such as $500 per week.
Once locked, the loan's interest rate won't change — no matter what's happening with the economy — barring any changes to your application details. You're protected from higher rates, but you won't get a lower rate, either, unless you have the option for a one-time "float down."
If you feel like you've received the best rate possible and fear a rate increase, lock it in now. But if you're willing to gamble that the rate will drop in the coming days or weeks, lenders could let you wait and provide a lock-in at a later date.
How long can you lock in a mortgage rate? Most lenders offer rate locks for 30, 45 or 60 days, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. However, you may find some lender with shorter term locks (as low as 15 days for purchase loans) or as long as 90 or 120 days if you're willing to pay an upfront fee.
In general, 25 basis points equates to a 0.125 percentage point change in mortgage rates. This means that, on average, we should expect mortgage rates to move ±1/8 percentage point on Wednesdays and Fridays, and not at all on Mondays. It's no accident that Wednesdays and Fridays are most volatile, either.
Zero-percent tolerance items: Certain aspects of your transaction will be categorized under the zero-percent tolerance level, meaning the costs cannot go up at closing. For instance, this applies to any fees from your lender, such as the origination charge. Rate lock fees and transfer taxes also have a zero tolerance.
First, ask your lender for a specific reason why your rate or fees have changed. The mortgage closing costs may be different if something important changed or wasn't included in your Loan Estimate. It's also possible that your income or assets turned out to be different from what you estimated when you first applied.
“Red flags” involving the closing disclosure or settlement statement may include: Names and addresses of property seller and buyer vary from other loan documentation. Seller's mailing address is the same as another party to the transaction. Excessive real estate agent commissions paid.
Will 2024 be a better time to buy a house?
Predictions for the 2024 real estate market
You're not alone if you're still pondering: Is it a good time to buy a house? Predictions from Zillow suggest that the average home value is anticipated to increase by approximately 4.9% in 2024. It's important to note that these forecasts may differ based on location.
Our Chart of the Day is from Goldman Sachs, which plots the firm's expectation that the 30-year mortgage rate will stay above 6% through 2025. Goldman said it expects 30-year mortgage rates will drop to 6.3% by the end of 2024, and fall slightly in 2025 to 6% as the Fed starts to cut interest rates.
If all goes well, by the time 2025 comes around, we could see mortgage rates closer to 6%, or maybe even lower. But, unfortunately, there's no guarantee.” “I expect we will end the year with rates at about 6% to 6.2% -- much higher than during the pandemic but still relatively low by historical standards.”
So if you're on the fence about buying or refinancing a home this winter, know that January and February bring some of the lowest mortgage rates of the year.
You can choose to lock in your mortgage rate from the moment you select a mortgage, up to five days before closing. Locking in early can help you get what you were budgeting for from the start. As long as you close before your rate lock expires, any increase in rates won't affect you.
