It is important for both new homebuyers and homeowners who want to refinance to understand how to lock in an interest rate when applying for a mortgage loan. Understanding how rate locks work prepares you to evaluate your options.

While you are in the process of applying for your mortgage loan, interest rates will most likely fluctuate from day to day and week to week. If you want assurance that the wonderfully low interest rate on your loan will not increase while you are waiting for loan approval, ask for a rate lock. A conventional rate lock is a guarantee from the lender that your mortgage will carry a particular interest rate, with specific, predetermined points and fees.

The interest rate is "locked in" for a specified period of time, usually thirty days. When you call a lender for a rate quote, ask how long that rate will last for. If you think you might need more than thirty days to complete your home purchase or refinance, tell your lender how many days you will require, and they will give you an adjusted rate quote.

Rate locks are especially useful if interest rates are on the upswing, and you are concerned about ending up with higher monthly payments. If you cannot afford the risk of a further interest rate increase, lock in your loan rate now.

	See All Tips In The "Interest Rates" Category >
	See Complete Library Of Hundreds Of Tips In 30+ Categories >

Sharon Jagoda Sigman
WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Graham Welch
5267 West 95th St.
Overland Park, KS 66207
913-381-6789
Toll Free: 800-291-1302
Property Hotline: 913-381-6789
Fax: 866-714-4532
Email: Sharon@HomesInKansasCity.com

As a native to Kansas and a former local high school English teacher in the Shawnee Mission school district, I am able to give buyers extra assistance and information on schools and the city. My license plate "REALTOR" lets everyone know my profession. My customers find that I am easy to work with and an excellent negotiator. My slogan "choose this LEFT handed realtor to help you make the RIGHT move" expresses my desire to help my buyers find the right home or my sellers to find the right buyer for the best price and terms. I have had my brokers/realtors licenses for over 22 and have consistently been one of the top 10 realtors in the city on both the Kansas and Missouri sides. I hold various designations and degrees: CRS (certified real estate consultant), ABR (accredited buyers agent), SRES(senior citizen representative), CSP (certified new sales consultant-to build) and e-PRO. My education consists of BA and Masters from University of California at Berkeley. I have 3 daughters, 1 dog and 1 cat. My recently licensed Schipperke, Skipper, was rescued by me from a local animal shelter so he helps me find some DOG GONE good homes for my clients. I belong to various organizations like Friends of Art, Friends of the Zoo, Native Sons of Kansas City, Hadassah, Brandeis, local and national realtor organizations. My hobbies are art, traveling, reading, working out, and horse back riding. My other web sites are www.sharonsigman.com www.realestateinoverlandpark.com www.isellkansashomes. www.homesinkansascity.com. I have a toll free 800 number ( 800-291-1302 )that follows me wherever I go.

www.kansas-city-real-estate.com is brought to you by Sharon Jagoda Sigman
NUMBER1EXPERT in real estate for Kansas City, Overland Park and Leawood, Kansas

Read Sharon Jagoda Sigman's Privacy Guarantee, Terms of Service, and Free & Without Obligation Pledge