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I am a regular participant in the Bankrate.com Mortgage Rate Trend survey and this week's survey is now available.

I am predicting that rates will slide gently downward over the next 30 days, but that doesn't mean you should follow my advice when choosing whether to lock a rate, or float it.

"When gas prices are the lead story on the news for five days straight, people start to get nervous about their money. Nervous people don't spend as much, and consumer spending is a key driver in the marketplace. Rising gas prices may do more to slow down the economy than the Fed could ever do."

As always, if you are comfortable with your proposed payment, lock your rate.  There is too much risk to float -- especially with the volatile nature of mortgage interest rates. 

Remember:  if rates go up and you are locked, you are protected.  If rates go down and you are locked, you can (almost always) "float down".  Talk to your lender about your options.

Dan Green is an active loan officer. Email or call 513-443-2020. Dan is on Twitter at @mortgagereports.