Should You Lock Your Rate Before the Fed Meets? Here's My Take

Rate lock conversations are picking up urgency ahead of the Fed's September meeting. Find out whether locking in now makes sense for your situation.

I've been in the mortgage industry long enough to recognize when a Fed meeting shifts from routine to urgent — and this September's meeting is doing exactly that. Conversations with clients about rate locks have surged more in the past few weeks than at any point in the last two years.

Here's why that matters to you: a rate lock protects you from rising rates between now and your loan closing. If the Fed hikes — or even strongly hints at one — lenders can reprice overnight. Borrowers who are floating their rate could wake up to a significantly higher monthly payment.

For California buyers, where home prices are already a stretch, even a small rate increase can push you over budget or reduce what you qualify for. Timing matters enormously here.

My recommendation? If you're closing within the next 30–60 days, seriously consider locking now. If your timeline is longer, let's talk about float-down options or other strategies that give you flexibility with a safety net.

Don't leave this to chance. Reach out to our team today — we'll review your loan scenario and help you decide whether locking in makes sense before the Fed makes its move.