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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 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:

"Markets are anticipating an economic slowdown in early 2007. Mortgage rates will gently fall as traders readjust portfolios."

If you shopping for mortgages, 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.

Not sure if locking is for you? Take this little test.

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