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Based on how the mortgage market's been moving lately, on 2 out of 3 days, a morning rate quote from your lender is going to be expired by the afternoon.  It makes shopping for a mortgage a complicated business.

On average, rates are changing every 4 hours, 2 minutes.

That's really fast and, as a guy who watches mortgage rates for a living, I'll say this -- unless you're willing to accept a higher mortgage rate, don't gamble on trying to score a lower one.

Take every rate offer seriously.  Instead of comparing it to what you want, compare it to what you have.  Saving money is saving money and there's almost never a reason to hold out for that extra 1/8 percent.

It's not like the added savings from that 1/8 percent is going to pay for your retirement or anything. And besides, how much lower can rates really go from today's levels anyway?

With mortgage rates in flux, it helps to know in what direction they're headed.

Here's two ways to stay on top of markets:

1. Follow me on Twitter. I tweet near-real time mortgage market updates.
2. Fan this blog on Facebook. I update like with Twitter, but with helpful links, too.

Or, let's make it more personal.

Call or and we can talk about your personal mortgage rates needs. I'm licensed in a lot of states and if I can't help you personally, I'll direct you to someone that can.

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