Bankrate.com Mortgage Trend Index (September 25, 2008)

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

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

• 47% of participants predict rates will increase
• 40% of participants predict rates will decrease
• 13% of participants predict rates will remain unchanged

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:

"Mortgage rates will fall as the U.S. dollar finds new strength. "

Now, if you've read The Mortgage Reports long enough, you know that I use video clips, movie lines, and songs to illustrate how mortgage markets work.  Seriously, I don't think there will ever be a more appropriate video to describe the current mortgage market climate than this one.

At every turn, it's a rake in the face. 

You can't hide from the market turmoil so the best bet is to embrace it.  Know that mortgage markets are going to change, and they're probably going to do it quickly.  The good news is that once Congress settles on a plan, it should add some stability to the U.S. dollar which will, in turn, act as an anchor on mortgage rates.

To make sure you don't miss what's going on, follow me on Twitter.  It's a free service, it's convenient, and you'll be more likely to get a good mortgage rate if you know what's happening in near-real time.