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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.

• 31% of participants predict rates will increase 
• 38% of participants predict rates will decrease
• 31% of participants predict rates will remain unchanged

I am predicting that rates will increase 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 (and I got a little wordier than normal this week):

"The groups that helped keep rates low by buying mortgages are staying on the sidelines for now. The best way to attract those groups back is to offer them higher rates on their investments."

If you are shopping for mortgages, I always recommend that you lock your rate as soon as possible. There is too much downside risk to not locking.

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