Locked-Interest Rate and Locked-In Points: This allows you to lock in both interest rate and points quoted to you. In this "true" lock-in, your interest rate should not increase above that you've agreed upon even if the market conditions change.

Locked-In Interest Rate with Floating Points: This allows you to lock in the interest, while letting the points rise and fall with changes in the market conditions. If market interest rates rise, the points may increase.

Floating Interest Rate and Floating Points: This allows you to lock in the interest rate and the points later on, after application, but before closing. If you think the rates are stable or may even go down, you may want to wait on locking in a specific rate and points. But if rates go up, then you would expect to be charged a higher rate.

Time Periods: There may be other options available to you as well, and there are a variety of time periods for the lock-in of interest rates. Typically, the lender will hold a certain interest and number of points for specific number of days (lock-ins of 30 to 60 days are common). In order to get the locked in rate, you must settle on the loan in that specific time period. As a general rule, the longer the time period, the higher the fee.

        Before you decide on a lock-in rate, find out the estimated time for processing your loan. If the lock-in period expires before closing, you might lose the interest rate and the number of points. If the market conditions have caused interest rates to rise, most lenders will charge you more for your loan. (One reason why some lenders maybe unable to offer the lock-in rate after the period expires is that they can no longer sell the loan to investors at the lock-in rate.)