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Lock in Interest Rate

When you are in the process of finalizing your home mortgage, if you are like most people, you are keenly aware of the current interest rates and how they may impact your monthly mortgage payment. Everyone wants to get the best rate possible and depending what’s happening in the financial markets and your specific circumstance with your home purchase there are different strategies for the best time to lock in your interest rate.This article will look at interest rate locking and give you some good insight as to things you should be thinking about when going through this aspect of the home mortgage process.

What is a locked-in rate?

A locked-in interest rate is essentially a promise from your lender. It protects you, the borrower, from potential rate fluctuations during the lock period negotiated – which could be anywhere from 10 to 60 days. At the same time, the lender can also lock in a certain number of “points” for you – points being additional lender fees you’d typically prepay at settlement or have financed by adding them to your mortgage amount. One point equals 1% of the total amount loaned.

Lenders have different options for setting the interest rate and points you’ll be charged. The primary options include:

  • Locked-in Interest Rate/Locked-in Points – generally considered a “true” lock-in, given that neither your interest rate nor your points should increase above the lock-in agreement even if market conditions change;
  • Locked-in Interest Rate/Floating Points –whereby the lender lets you lock in the interest rate, but points are free to float (rise or fall) in accordance with market fluctuations; and
  • Floating Interest Rate/Floating Points – whereby the lender lets you lock in both your interest rate and points, but not until some point between application and settlement.

Ask your lender to explain these options further and indicate which of them, or which others, they make available to you.

When can my rate be locked in?

It all depends on the lender. Some may lock in your interest rate and the number of points they’re charging when you file your mortgage application. Others won’t accommodate you until your loan is being processed. And some will let you lock the rate in only when the loan is approved – or even later.

You may find it advantageous to get a lock-in when you apply for your loan. That’s because it often takes lenders a few weeks or more to prepare, document, and review your application, and the cost of a mortgage could very well rise in that time. If, however, your interest rate and points are locked in up front, you’ll be immune to increases while your application is being processed.

By the same token, a locked-in rate at filing could just as easily prevent you from taking advantage of price decreases that might ensue while you’re waiting for loan approval. Some lenders may be willing to go back and lock you in at a lower rate, should it present itself. But you can hardly count on that.

It’s worth pointing out here that a locked-in interest rate should not be confused with a loan commitment. True, some loan commitments include a lock-in. But all a loan commitment provides is a lender’s promise to loan you a specific amount of money at a future date. And you typically don’t get a loan commitment until your loan has been approved. You can expect a loan commitment to spell out the amount and other approved terms of your loan, how long the commitment is valid, and the lender’s conditions for making the loan.

Is my lock-in documented?

As with any other contractual arrangement, it’s wise to obtain written confirmation of any lock-in you negotiate. Not all lenders provide it automatically, however.

Some lenders prefer negotiating lock-in agreements over the telephone and making only an oral promise. Of course, try proving that oral promise should a dispute arise!

Other lenders use preprinted forms to record the terms of a lock-in agreement. The problem with that is, these forms often contain critical information reduced to fine print and difficult-to-understand “legalese.”

Rather than accepting a preprinted form on the spot, at face value, a better option would be to request one from your lender that hasn’t been filled out yet and read it carefully before you even apply for a loan.

Showing the form to a lawyer or real-estate professional might be wise, too.

However you get it, and in whatever form, a written lock-in agreement gives you the opportunity to study the terms of your agreement and fully understand what your lender expects of you. Besides that, it definitely gives you a leg up if you get into a dispute with your lender.

Will a lock-in cost me anything extra?

The short answer? Not necessarily – but probably.

As to the nature of the charges, their amount, and how they might be applied, a lot of variables come into play.

Some lenders may charge you a lock-in fee up front. They may not refund it, either, should you withdraw your application, be denied credit, or not close the loan.

Other lenders may charge a fee at settlement.

The amount of the fee and other terms might depend on the length of the lock-in period negotiated.

Whatever the case, your charge might be either a flat fee, a percentage of the mortgage amount, or a fraction of the percentage point added to whatever rate you lock in.

How long is my lock-in valid?

That depends on your lender and the lock-in terms you negotiate.

The rule of thumb is that the lock-in period should be long enough to allow for the settlement of your loan and any other contingencies the lender imposes.

Typically, lock-ins are valid for 30 or 60 days. Some lenders insist on shorter periods, though – say, 10 or 15 days. But 45-day periods aren’t unheard of, nor are longer periods of up to 120 days. Be prepared, though: if you’re granted a longer period, you’ll be charged a higher fee.

Don’t agree to any lock-in period without first asking your lender how long it normally takes them to process loans. Ask them, too, for an estimate of how long they think it’ll take to process your loan. And get that estimate in writing, if you can.

Keep in mind that all sorts of things can delay your settlement: the time it takes to gather background on your financial condition, for instance … or construction delays in getting that new home you’re buying completed. You can’t plan for these things, of course. Just be aware that they may impinge on the lock-in period you negotiate with your lender.

Bottom line: Ask for as long a rate-lock period as you can get. Sure, you’ll likely pay a higher fee for it. But at least you’ll be covered for most contingencies that could run your rate-lock out.

What if I don’t settle within the lock-in period?

If your lock-in period expires before your settlement, you could very well lose the interest rate and the number of points you’d locked in. Delays like those mentioned above can cause this. But so can things like your lender having to wait for documents from employers, appraisers, builders, inspectors, or realtors. And sometimes lenders cause you to lose your lock-in because of processing delays at their end.

Should this happen, your lender might – just might – be willing to extend the lock-in rate. But that might not be an option for them. And that’s usually because they can no longer sell the loan to investors at that rate. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’re out a loan, though. You still might be able to get one based on prevailing interest rates and point offerings. What most lenders would do is charge you the difference between the fee they charged for your original lock-in and the current interest rate. No, it’s not ideal. It’s just likely the best you can get, under the circumstances.

Can I do anything to speed up my loan approval?

To a large degree, your lender controls the speed of the approval process. You’re not without leverage, though.

If you want to hurry things up a bit, find out from your lender beforehand what documentation is required, and bring it with you when you apply for a loan. Essential documents typically include …

  • The purchase contract for the home you’re buying (available from the seller or realtor if you don’t have it),
  • Your bank account numbers and latest bank statement as well as the address of your bank branch,
  • Proof of employment – your most recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and anything else that might serve as verification,
  • Balance sheets, tax returns for the last 2 or 3 years, and other information about your business if you’re self-employed,
  • Information about any debt you owe – with loan and credit-card account numbers as well as the names and addresses of your creditors,
  • Cancelled checks or whatever other evidence you have of your mortgage or rentalpayments, and
  • A Certificate of Eligibility from the Veterans Administration if you’re applying for a VA-guaranteed loan.

Later, when your loan is being processed, the lender may request additional information from you. The quicker you provide it, the less excuse the lender has for being the cause of any delays.

It helps also to keep in touch throughout the process with your lender and real-estate agent, not to mention others from whom you may need additional information pertinent to your loan. Keep good notes of your conversations, too, for future reference.

By following these suggestions, you should be able to lock in the best interest rate and the greatest number of points relevant to your mortgage application.

 
 
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Sirva Home Benefits is a tradename used for marketing and is not licensed to conduct business in New York. This site is not authorized by the New York State Department of Financial Services. No mortgage loan applications for properties located in the State of New York can be facilitated through this site.
 
1 Sirva Home Benefits is a brand name of Sirva Worldwide used to offer a suite of products for homebuying purposes. Mortgage lender (Sirva Mortgage, Inc.2), Sirva entity making real estate referral (Sirva Relocation LLC3), and van lines providing moving services (Allied Van Lines, Inc. and North American Van Lines, Inc.4)  are affiliated entities. You are not required to use all programs in order to receive the benefits but the offer for the mortgage closing cost credit of up to $500 only applies when using a Sirva program identified lender, the cash back offer only applies when using a Sirva referred real estate broker, and any discounts on moving services are only applied when using an affiliated van line. Sirva's Affiliated Business Disclosure (including affiliations and information on estimated charge or range of charged) can be found here. Each program benefit is offered separately. Program benefits are only available through program participants but you are not required to use all programs to receive each separate benefit.
 
Sirva endeavors to refer real estate brokers and agents, household goods providers and other service providers that provide quality services and products. However, Sirva and its respective associates, agents, representatives and clients cannot make any representations or warranties as to the fitness and applicability of the referred brokers and agents, household goods providers and other service providers and their service for your particular situation and purpose. Sirva does not provide a warranty with respect to your particular engagement, relationship and experience with the party referred brokers and agents or their services. You must evaluate the brokers, agents household goods providers and other service providers and their services and make selections and decisions based upon your own best judgment, interest, priorities, and concerns. Sirva is not providing advice with respect to any selection or decision you may make.  
 
To provide you with better service, Sirva may collect certain anonymous information on how you use our website(s). To view our Privacy Policy, click here. To view our Cookie Policy, click here.  
 
2 This not an offer of credit. This is not an offer to enter into an interest rate lock-in agreement nor is this notice of loan approval. Mortgage approvals are rendered based on individual credit qualifications. Sirva Mortgage is engaged in the business of originating residential mortgage loans. We are licensed or authorized to conduct mortgage loan origination in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia. Sirva Mortgage is not a depository institution and does not act or represent itself as a full-service bank. Reference to the term “mortgage banker” is a common, accepted industry term referring to companies engaged only in the business of making mortgage loans. Various state laws and regulations and our license type(s) in various states refer to us as a mortgage lender, mortgage banker or mortgage broker. For our Privacy Policy and Affiliated business relationships disclosures please visit https://mortgage.sirva.com/about/about-sirva-mortgage. Please see the complete required license disclosure below. Call 800-531-3837 for more information.

For those looking to refinance – even if your refinanced rate or APR is lower, by refinancing your existing loan, your total finance charges may be higher over the life of the refinanced loan.

Sirva Mortgage, Inc. NMLS ID #2240, for licensing information, go to: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Main Office Address is 6200 Oak Tree Blvd., Ste. 300, Independence, OH 44131; Telephone: 1-800-531-3837. We are licensed by/as (among others): Arizona Licensed Mortgage Banker, License #0901430; Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act, License #4130944; Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee #6221; Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee; Kansas Licensed Mortgage Company, License #MC.0025314; Massachusetts Mortgage Lender, License #ML2240; Nevada Licensed Mortgage Banker, License #1043; Licensed by the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurance; Licensed Mortgage Banker – NYS Banking Department; Oregon Consumer Finance Act license #ML-186; Rhode Island Licensed Lender; Texas Mortgage Banker Registration #2240; WA Consumer Loan Company License #CL-2240.

“CONSUMERS WISHING TO FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST A MORTGAGE BANKER OR A LICENSED MORTGAGE BANKER RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR SHOULD COMPLETE AND SEND A COMPLAINT FORM TO THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF SAVINGS AND MORTGAGE LENDING, 2601 NORTH LAMAR, SUITE 201, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78705. COMPLAINT FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S WEBSITE AT WWW.SML.TEXAS.GOV. A TOLL-FREE CONSUMER HOTLINE IS AVAILABLE AT 1-877-276-5550.

THE DEPARTMENT MAINTAINS A RECOVERY FUND TO MAKE PAYMENTS OF CERTAIN ACTUAL OUT OF POCKET DAMAGES SUSTAINED BY BORROWERS CAUSED BY ACTS OF LICENSED MORTGAGE BANKER RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATORS. A WRITTEN APPLICATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE RECOVERY FUND MUST BE FILED WITH AND INVESTIGATED BY THE DEPARTMENT PRIOR TO THE PAYMENT OF A CLAIM. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECOVERY FUND, PLEASE CONSULT THE DEPARTMENT’S WEBSITE AT WWW.SML.TEXAS.GOV.”

Licensed Mortgage Loan Originators’ NMLS IDs are available upon request for licensing information, go to: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.
 
3 Sirva Relocation LLC is a licensed real estate broker. Sirva Relocation LLC is making the referral as a licensed real estate broker and will refer you to a licensed real estate broker in the selected area that will provide you the real estate services.
 
Real Estate referrals are made by Sirva Relocation LLC an affiliated business of Sirva Worldwide and a licensed real estate broker. $500 cash back for every $100,000 only available when using a Sirva referred real estate agent, the purchase and/or sale price is above $75,000. Program reward amount is based upon at least 6% real estate commission and the participating broker receiving at least one half of commission. If the commission amount or the split is reduced the program reward will be reduced proportionately. To receive the award, customers must close their real estate transaction with a SIRVA-referred real estate agent. Due to state regulations, the award program is not allowed in AK, AL, IA, KS, LA, MO, MS, ND, OK, OR, TN.  Cash back available in NJ on purchases only. Additionally, if you choose to sell your home with a Sirva-referred broker in these states, the benefit will be provided in the form of a reduced real estate commission. If you are purchasing a home and use a SIRVA-referred broker in these states, and also choose to work with an approved lender for your financing, the approved lender will issue you a credit toward closing costs; in addition to any other closing cost credit provided by your loan program. You may use any lender you choose for your financing, but closing cost credits cannot be issued without utilizing an approved lender. None of these programs are valid for corporate-sponsored relocations or ineligible property types. You should always consult your tax advisor about the tax implications of receiving cash back.
 
Properties eligible for the Real Estate Cash Back Program must meet the following criteria: (a) located in the U.S.; (b) a completed primary, single-family residence, townhouse, two-family duplex, or condominium unit, in each case owned and occupied by Employee (or in the case of a two-family duplex, where the entire property is owned by Employee and one unit of which occupied by Employee).
 
Programs can be cancelled or modified at any time without notice. Please go to http://www.sirvahomebenefits.com or call 800-579-2970 to learn more and see how you can get your cash back benefits. You may also contact us at 6200 Oak Tree Blvd., Ste 300, Independence, OH 44131.
 
In the state of New Jersey a purchaser is obligated to pay any applicable taxes for receipt of the real estate cash back rebate and the purchaser should contact a tax professional concerning any possible tax implications of receiving the rebate. 
 
4 Sirva Moving Services – Moving discount applied to interstate moves. For moving benefit details go to http://www.sirvahomebenefits.com. Local and instate move discounts may vary. This offer applies to household moves between the 48 contiguous states. The interstate moving discount is based on rates in published tariff HGB 400-N (or reissues thereof) in effect on the date of the shipment loads. North American Van Lines MC #107012 U.S. DOT No.070851. Texas intrastate moves are hauled under the authority of North American Van Lines of Texas, LLC TxDMV No 0000009188; Texas DMV Phone No. 1-888-368-4689; Allied Van Lines, Inc. MC #15735 U.S. DOT No.076235. Texas intrastate moves are hauled under the authority of Allied Van Lines, Inc., TxDMV No 0000007143; Texas DMV Phone No. 1-888-368-4689. Programs can be cancelled or modified at any time without notice. Please visit http://sirvahomebenefits.com for additional terms and conditions, including the use of third party services.
 
5  Average customer savings calculation for all relocation benefits is based on a $250,000 home value when using a SIRVA referred agent to buy and/or sell a home. $3,400 total cash back and savings consist of a cash back reward of $2,500 for real estate program (buy & sell), plus $500 mortgage closing cost credit (credit provided only through program lender) and $400 savings on interstate move with our affiliate van line. A combined savings of $3,400. Certain state restrictions apply to the real estate cash back program. Call 866-631-2261 for details and disclosures. Terms and conditions apply. Cash back rewards are available separately on the buy and sell transactions. Offer not available to those with a full service, company paid relocation package.
 
6 If we don’t close on your loan with Sirva Mortgage the date stated in the purchase contract, due solely to Sirva Mortgage’s delay when given at least 21 days from lock to close, we will pay you $1,000. Delay penalty does not apply to refinances. 
 
7 Savings calculation based on an average our clients saving more than $45 per month & $23 a month on mortgage insurance on their mortgage payments multiplied by 12 months on a 30 year mortgage. Payment average compared to national average rates published by FHLMC, found at www.freddiemac.com/pmms from 1/1/2015-12/31/2015 with loan amount of $315,142. For a 30 year fixed rate the national average interest rate was 3.84% with a principal and interest payment of $1,475 compared to the SIRVA Mortgage average interest rate of 3.59% with a principal and interest payment of $1,431. Mortgage insurance savings as measured by United Guaranty for the period 1/1-12/31/2015.
 
8 Sirva Mortgage earned the highest average score from relocating employees among national competitors in the 26th Nationwide Relocating Employee Survey for 2020 by Trippel Survey & Research, LLC©.
 
Important terms and conditions apply to the closing cost credit. Closing cost credit will not exceed borrower’s closing costs, up to $500. Please go to http://www.sirvahomebenefits.com to learn more and see how you can receive a closing cost credit.  
 
Real Estate referrals are made by Sirva Relocation LLC an affiliated business of Sirva Mortgage, Inc. and a licensed real estate broker. Sirva Mortgage, Inc. may receive a financial or other benefit as a result of the affiliated relationship with Sirva Relocation LLC. Important disclosures apply to the use of affiliated companies. You are not required to use Sirva Mortgage to receive the cash back benefits. You are not required to use the cash back benefit to apply for or obtain a loan from Sirva Mortgage. Sirva’s Affiliated Business Disclosure including rates for the services you may select is found at https://www.sirvahomebenefits.com/affiliatedbusinessarrangements or call for a copy. Please visit http://sirvahomebenefits.com for additional terms and conditions, including the use of third party services.
 
On the special offers page Star Box, Penske and Apartments.com are independent companies not affiliated with Sirva or the Sirva Home Benefits program except for this referral. Sirva endeavors to refer service providers that provide quality services and products. However, the Sirva Home Benefits program cannot make any representations or warranties as to the fitness and applicability of the referred service providers and their service for your particular situation and purpose. Sirva does not provide a warranty with respect to your particular engagement, relationship and experience with any referred service provider or the services or the suppliers. You must evaluate the service providers and their services and make selections and decisions based upon your own best judgment, interest, priorities, and concerns. Sirva is not providing advice with respect to any selection or decision you may make 

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