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 remain unchanged 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:

"Inflation is the number one concern for traders, but international conflict is changing the interest rate game. Traders are forced to buy U.S.-denominated securities as a 'safe haven' and the new demand is offsetting the pressure to sell. This demand includes mortgage-backed securities, of course. As a result, mortgage rates are floating like a boat on the ocean -- a little up, a little down, but in the end, no movement at all."

"Boat in the ocean" --  I like the way that sounds right about now.  It's 95 degrees and it feels like The Steam here in the city.

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.