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.

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

• 53% of participants predict rates will increase
• 27% of participants predict rates will decrease
• 20% 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:

"Mortgage rates may fall at their core, but Fannie and Freddie's risk-based adjustments are crushing Americans."

I've went on record about this with the AP's Stephen Bernard (via CNN Money) and again today with Holden -- risk-based adjustments to mortgage prices have pushed conforming mortgage rates way, way up.

With respect to credit scores, 720 is the new 680 (h/t Greg).  And more adjustments are forthcoming.

---

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