Should I lock in my interest rate

Didier Malagies • March 20, 2023


Deciding whether to lock in your mortgage rate when getting a mortgage is an important decision that can have a significant impact on your finances.


A mortgage rate lock is a guarantee from a lender that the interest rate on your mortgage loan will not change for a specified period of time, typically 30 to 60 days. Locking in your mortgage rate can protect you from potential rate increases while you're going through the loan approval process, which can take several weeks.


Locking your mortgage rate can be a good idea if you believe that interest rates are likely to rise in the near future. This can help you avoid paying a higher interest rate later on. Additionally, if you have a limited budget and need to know precisely what your mortgage payment will be each month, a rate lock can provide you with the certainty you need to plan your finances.


On the other hand, if you believe that interest rates are likely to fall, you may want to wait before locking in your rate. Additionally, if you're not in a hurry to close on your mortgage and you're willing to take the risk of interest rates increasing, you may want to wait before locking in your rate to see if rates will improve.


Ultimately, the decision to lock in your mortgage rate when getting a mortgage depends on your individual financial situation and your tolerance for risk. It's important to speak with your lender or a financial advisor to determine what is best for you.

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By Didier Malagies November 10, 2025
✅ the principal you borrowed ✅ all interest paid over the years ❌ It does NOT include taxes, insurance, or HOA unless noted. Because longer terms spread payments out more slowly, they lower the monthly payment but massively increase total interest paid. Below is a simple example to show how total payments change by loan term. ✅ Example: $300,000 loan at 6% interest 15-Year Mortgage Monthly payment: ≈ $2,531 Total paid: ≈ $455,682 Total interest: ≈ $155,682 30-Year Mortgage Monthly payment: ≈ $1,799 Total paid: ≈ $647,514 Total interest: ≈ $347,514 40-Year Mortgage Monthly payment: ≈ $1,650 Total paid: ≈ $792,089 Total interest: ≈ $492,089 50-Year Mortgage Monthly payment: ≈ $1,595 Didier Malagies nmls212566 DDA Mortgage nmls32432 Total paid: ≈ $956,140 Total interest: ≈ $656,140 ✅ Summary: Total Payments by Loan Term Term Monthly Payment Total Paid Over Life Total Interest 15-Year ~$2,531 $455,682 $155,682 30-Year ~$1,799 $647,514 $347,514 40-Year ~$1,650 $792,089 $492,089 50-Year ~$1,595 $956,140 $656,140 ✅ Key Takeaway A longer mortgage = lower payment, but the total paid skyrockets because interest accrues for decades longer. tune in and learn https://www.ddamortgage.com/blog didier malagies nmls#212566 dda mortgage nmls#324329
By Didier Malagies November 5, 2025
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By Didier Malagies November 3, 2025
Here are the main types of events that typically cause the 10-year yield to drop: Economic slowdown or recession signs Weak GDP, rising unemployment, or falling consumer spending make investors expect lower future interest rates. Example: A bad jobs report or slowing manufacturing data often pushes yields lower. Federal Reserve rate cuts (or expectations of cuts) If the Fed signals or actually cuts rates, long-term yields like the 10-year typically decline. Markets anticipate lower inflation and slower growth ahead. Financial market stress or geopolitical tension During crises (wars, banking issues, political instability), investors seek safety in Treasuries — pushing prices up and yields down. Lower inflation or deflation data When inflation slows more than expected, the “real” return on Treasuries looks more attractive, bringing yields down. Dovish Fed comments or data suggesting easing ahead Even before actual rate cuts, if the Fed hints it might ease policy, yields often fall in anticipation. tune in and learn https://www.ddamortgage.com/blog didier malagies nmls#212566 dda mortgage nmls#324329
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