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Locking Your Rate: When, How, and What It Actually Costs

When your lender asks you ‘you want to lock?’ — most buyers say yes without understanding what they just agreed to. In this episode of The Property Professor, you’ll learn exactly what a rate lock is, why a 45-day window is the right default in 2026 (per Mortgage Bankers Association closing-timeline data), what longer locks cost, and the float-down option most buyers don’t ask about until it’s too late.

Plus the wrinkle that catches buyers off guard: any material change to your loan after locking can re-price the rate. If you want to talk through whether to lock today or wait, head to thepropertyprofessor.blog to book a call.

Runtime: 5:56 · Sources: The Federal Savings Bank, Rocket Mortgage, AmeriSave, Mortgage Bankers Association (Q1 2026 closing timeline 44 days). Educational content from a licensed mortgage loan originator; not financial advice for your specific situation. Speak with your lender about your numbers.


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