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. Send me email for personal purchase or refinance questions.
3. I send market updates a few times daily.  Get them on your mobile.

Anyway, on to the group's predictions for the next 30 days:

• 41% of participants predict rates will increase
• 53% of participants predict rates will decrease
• 6% 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:

"Investors ditch bonds for stocks."

Lately, stocks prices and bond prices have been a study in opposites.  As one moves higher, the other moves lower.  This is because investors are uncertain about the economy, alternatively (and feverishly) seeking one of two options:

1. Dollar growth in the stock market
2. Dollar safety in the bond market

For now, though, because of worldwide, coordinated government intervention, the stock market is back in favor.  This is drawing money away from the bond market which, in turn, causes conforming mortgage rates to rise.

The ride will be bumpy, but rates should higher over the near-term.

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