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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. 

As a reminder:

1. The survey is for conforming loans only.
2. Asking "Where are rates headed?" is not a mortgage strategy -- it's a mortgage gamble.  Talk to me if you want planning guidance for 6-9 months ahead.

Here are the group's predictions for the next 30 days:

• 43% of participants predict rates will increase
• 14% of participants predict rates will decrease
• 43% 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:

"Another round of 'the worst is over' remarks pushes investors back into stocks. Those gains come at the expense of bonds."

Even if rates fall, though, most homeowners can't take advantage.  Remortgaging is getting cost-prohibitive because of risk-based fees from Fannie and Freddie.  Woe to the homeowner will less than 740 credit scores.

I'll say it again:  When it comes to credit scoring, 740 is the new 680.

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