How long should you lock in a mortgage rate?
Depending on the lender, you can typically lock in a mortgage rate for 30, 45, or 60 days — sometimes even longer. As long as you close within the specified time frame, your mortgage rate won't change. But if your rate lock expires before you close on the loan, you'll have to pay a fee to extend the period of time.
It's generally a good idea to lock in your mortgage rate with your lender of choice once you've gone under contract on a home, since there's no way to definitively know which direction interest rates are headed. That way, your monthly payments won't go up if rates rise during the closing process.
If the market indicates that interest rates are likely to continue rising, it might be a good idea to opt for a 5-year fixed term. Doing so can avoid re-negotiating a new rate in a few years when mortgage rates could be significantly higher than the one you initially locked into.
When you lock your interest rate, you're protected from rate increases due to market conditions. If rates go down prior to your loan closing and you want to take advantage of a lower rate, you may be able to pay a fee and relock at the lower interest rate. This is called "repricing" your loan.
Generally, once you've locked in a mortgage rate, the terms are fixed and usually cannot be renegotiated. However, some lenders offer a float down option, allowing you to negotiate mortgage rates if market conditions shift favorably during the rate lock-in period.
The short answer is: Pay attention to market dynamics. If interest rates have been stable, locking in your rate early may not be necessary. If rates are falling and are likely to continue in that direction, you may want to wait a bit before locking the rate since you could get a better rate in a few weeks.
Monday is the best day to lock-in mortgage rates; Wednesdays are risky. Mortgage rates are in constant flux, even changing multiple times a day. This volatility can make it challenging to know when to lock in your rate.
In real estate, the 5-year rule typically refers to the length of time homeowners should aim to stay in their homes to turn a profit when they sell. It typically takes homeowners 5 years to build enough equity to benefit from property appreciation and recoup their initial home buying expenses, like closing costs.
However, without a major downturn or global catastrophe, it's highly unlikely that mortgage rates will drop to their 2020-21 levels. In fact, many economists and housing market experts hope they don't. In the long term, mortgage rates may stabilize between 5.5% and 6%, which is a historically normal range.
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.
What lender has the lowest mortgage rates?
- JP Morgan Chase: 4.81%
- DHI Mortgage Company: 5.58%
- State Employees' Credit Union (SECU): 5.79%
- Navy Federal Credit Union*: 6.08%
- Wells Fargo Bank: 6.12%
- Citibank: 6.20%
- Pennymac: 6.29%
- Cornerstone Home Lending: 6.29%
Product | Interest Rate | APR |
---|---|---|
30-year fixed-rate | 6.475% | 6.559% |
20-year fixed-rate | 6.421% | 6.523% |
15-year fixed-rate | 5.649% | 5.789% |
10-year fixed-rate | 5.730% | 5.922% |

Can you change mortgage lenders after locking your rate? A rate lock doesn't lock you into the deal. If you find better terms and lower closing costs from another lender, you can opt to go with that lender after your rate lock with the first lender begins.
Refinancing your mortgage could make sense for several reasons: lowering your interest rate, taking cash out or switching to a fixed-rate loan. For most borrowers, the ideal time to refinance is when market rates have fallen below the rate on their current loan.
At this point, you may be wondering: Are closing costs negotiable when refinancing or buying a home? The short answer is yes. Whether you're buying a home or refinancing your mortgage, you may be able to negotiate closing costs. A home buyer can negotiate with a seller and have them cover a portion of these fees.
If interest rates go up: You're protected. Your interest rate is set. That's when a rate lock is well worth the price. If mortgage rates go down: Unless you have a one-time "float down" option on your lock, you'll miss the lower rate.
A downside, for the borrower, is a mortgage rate lock would prevent them from taking advantage of lower rates that may occur during the lock period. Conversely the lender cannot take advantage of rises in interest rates. Some borrowers walk away from the agreement if interest rates fall.
If you're good at keeping an eye on market trends and you predict a rate decrease, you might be more comfortable with floating. If you think rates are likely to stay the same or increase, you might be better off locking.
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.
The 28/36 rule
It suggests limiting your mortgage costs to 28% of your gross monthly income and keeping your total debt payments, including your mortgage, car loans, student loans, credit card debt and any other debts, below 36%.
What is the best date to close on a mortgage?
If you're closing on the last day of the month, you're not going to get hit with a big interest bill. But if you close near the beginning of the month, you'll have to pay more in interest.
Is 40% of income on a mortgage too much? Spending 40% of your total income on your mortgage is probably too much — most mortgage lenders will either not approve your application or charge you a very high interest rate.
According to the 28/36 rule, you should spend no more than 28% of your gross monthly income on housing and no more than 36% on all debts. Housing costs can include: Your monthly mortgage payment. Homeowners Insurance. Private mortgage insurance.
The 2-Out-of-5-Year Rule Explained
The 2-out-of-five-year rule states that you must have owned and lived in your home for a minimum of two out of the last five years before the sale. However, these two years don't have to be consecutive, and you don't have to live there on the sale date.
If you pay $100 extra each month towards principal, you can cut your loan term by more than 4.5 years and reduce the interest paid by more than $26,500. If you pay $200 extra a month towards principal, you can cut your loan term by more than 8 years and reduce the interest paid by more than $44,000.