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:

"Because global money is buying U.S.-denominated securities as a 'safe haven' from war and conflict, there is a constant downward pressure on mortgage rates. That downward pressure is offset by inflationary pressures that are pushing rates higher. Until the balance shifts one way or the other, expect a tug-of-war and no real change in mortgage rates."

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.