Lock-Ins - Q & A

Q: How do you lock in an interest rate?
A: Locking in a mortgage rate with a lender is one way to ensure that same rate still will be available when you need it.
Lock-ins make sense when borrowers expect rates to rise during the next 30 to 60 days, which is the usual length of time lock-ins are available.
A lock-in given at the time of application is useful because it may take the lender several weeks or longer to prepare a loan application (though automated loan practices are cutting this time dramatically).
However, some lenders require borrowers to pay lock-in fees to assure particular rates and terms. Be sure to check that the rates and points are guaranteed and that your lock-in period is long enough. If your lock-in expires, most lenders will offer the loan based on the prevailing interest rate and points.
Lenders may have preprinted forms that set out the exact terms of the lock-in agreement. Others may only make an oral lock-in promise on the telephone or at the time of application.
Resources:
* "A Consumer's Guide to Mortgage Lock-Ins," published by the Federal Reserve Board and Office of Thrift Supervision, Washington, D.C.

Q: Do you advise a lock-in on a home loan?
A: Locking in a mortgage rate with a lender is one way to ensure that same rate still will be available when you need it.
Lock-ins make sense when borrowers expect rates to rise during the next 30 to 60 days, which is the usual length of time lock-ins are available.
A lock-in given at the time of application is useful because it may take the lender several weeks or longer to prepare a loan application (though automated loan practices are cutting this time dramatically).
However, some lenders require borrowers to pay lock-in fees to assure particular rates and terms. Be sure to check that the rates and points are guaranteed and that your lock-in period is long enough. If your lock-in expires, most lenders will offer the loan based on the prevailing interest rate and points.
Lenders may have preprinted forms that set out the exact terms of the lock-in agreement. Others may only make an oral lock-in promise on the telephone or at the time of application.
Resources:
* "A Consumer's Guide to Mortgage Lock-Ins," published by the Federal Reserve Board and Office of Thrift Supervision, Washington, D.C.

Q: Where do I get information on lock-ins?
A: For information on lock-in mortgage rates, check out this brochure:
* "Consumer?s Guide to Mortgage Lock-Ins" from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Public Information Department, P.O. Box 7702, San Francisco, CA 94120; or call (415) 974-2163 to order.

Q: What is the value of a mortgage lock-in?
A: Locking in a mortgage rate with a lender is one way to ensure that same rate still will be available when you need it.
Lock-ins make sense when borrowers expect rates to rise during the next 30 to 60 days, which is the usual length of time lock-ins are available.
A lock-in given at the time of application is useful because it may take the lender several weeks or longer to prepare a loan application (though automated loan practices are cutting this time dramatically).
However, some lenders require borrowers to pay lock-in fees to assure particular rates and terms. Be sure to check that the rates and points are guaranteed and that your lock-in period is long enough. If your lock-in expires, most lenders will offer the loan based on the prevailing interest rate and points.
Lenders may have preprinted forms that set out the exact terms of the lock-in agreement. Others may only make an oral lock-in promise on the telephone or at the time of application.
Resources:
* "A Consumer's Guide to Mortgage Lock-Ins," published by the Federal Reserve Board and Office of Thrift Supervision, Washington, D.C.

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