Definition of "Float"

Ron Utterback real estate agent

Written by

Ron Utterbackelite badge icon

Keller Williams First Atlanta

Allowing the interest rate and points to vary with changes in market conditions, as opposed to 'locking' them. Floating may be mandatory until the lender's lock requirements have been met. After that, the borrower may elect to lock the rate and points at any time but must do so a few days before the closing. Allowing the rate to float exposes the borrower to market risk and also to the risk of being taken advantage of by the loan provider.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Mortgage Terms

After reaching a certain annual income, you might be interested in finding the definition of a jumbo mortgage.  What is a jumbo loan?  It is something like a mortgage with ...

Same as term Bridge Loan: A short-term loan, usually from a bank, that 'bridges' the period between the closing of a home purchase and the closing of a home sale. To qualify for a bridge ...

A provision of a loan contract stipulating that if the property is sold the loan balance must be repaid. A mortgage containing a due-on-sale clause is not assumable. This prevents a home ...

A second mortgage on a property that is not paid off when the first mortgage is refinanced. The second mortgage lender must allow subordination of the second to the new first mortgage. ...

A lender that provides loans through mortgage brokers or correspondents. ...

A mortgage on which all settlement costs except per diem interest and escrows are paid by the lender and/or the home seller. A no-cost mortgage should be distinguished from a ...

A payment made after the grace period stipulated in the note, usually 10-15 days. ...

The period you must retain a mortgage in order for it to be profitable to pay points to reduce the rate. ...

A loan eligible for purchase by the two major federal agencies that buy mortgages, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Conforming mortgages cannot exceed a legal maximum amount, which was $322,700 ...

Popular Mortgage Questions