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 decrease over the next 30 days, but that doesn't mean you should necessarily follow my advice when choosing whether to lock a rate, or float it.  My advice may not be appropriate for your individual situation.

From the Bankrate.com survey:

"It's a fight for the ages! Geopolitics versus the U.S. economy. Global conflict and war try to push mortgage rates down, rising costs for businesses and consumers try to push mortgage rates up. At least this week, geopolitics wins by TKO."

This week, I am the only voting member that expects a downward push on mortgage rates.  I am not sure if that makes me a contrarian, or incorrect, or both. 

If you shopping for mortgages and the idea of not having a rate lock commitment makes you nervous -- regardless of my predictions -- I recommend that you go ahead and lock in your rate.  There is just too much financial risk in floating a mortgage interest rate -- especially given the volatile nature of the markets.

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