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 strategy -- it's a gamble.  Reach out to me directly for help with a personal mortgage plan.

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

• 56% of participants predict rates will increase
• 22% of participants predict rates will decrease
• 22% 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:

"Evidence of an economic recovery leads the U.S. Dollar higher and that should be good for mortgage-backed bonds."

The supposed economic recovery is an odd thing.  A lot of people are saying the recession is over, but many more are saying there was no evidence that we were ever in a recession to begin with.  Either way, sentiment is shifting and should be good for rate shoppers and home buyers.

As a famous songwriter put it: "The good old days weren't always good and tomorrow ain't as bad as it seems."

Keep the faith, kids.  Brighter mortgage days are coming.

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