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One of the biggest mistakes I see buyers make right now is waiting too long to lock their rate. With volatility baked into the market, a float can cost more than it saves. Here's what I tell every buyer I work with: once you're in contract and your timeline is clear, we lock. The question is for how long. A 30-day lock works if closing is tight. A 45- or 60-day lock gives you breathing room — and yes, it may cost a touch more upfront, but it eliminates the stress of watching rates tick up the week before close. I also offer a float-down option on some programs, which means if rates drop after locking, the buyer can capture the improvement. This is a real value-add conversation you can have with your clients before they even write an offer. When you set expectations early, you avoid the panicked calls when the market moves. Send me your buyers early and I'll walk them through the options.
Have a buyer worried about rates? Let's talk strategy before they're in contract.
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