Knowing what to look for puts you in a better position to decide whether, when, and how long to lock-in mortgage terms and, by helping to keep the loan process moving, you can lessen the chance that your lock-in will run out before settlement. But what if your lock-in does lapse? If you believe that the lapse was due to delays caused by the lender or someone else involved in the loan process, you should try first to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement with the lender, if that effort fails, consider writing to the appropriate state or federal regulatory agency.
Some lender actions, such as offering lock-in terms which are impossible to fulfill, failing to process you loan diligently, or causing your lock-in to expire are improper and may even be illegal. In addition, because you may have contractual rights under your lock-in or loan commitment, you may want to consult with an attorney. Be aware, though, that complaints may not be resolved as quickly as may be necessary for a home purchase. Depending upon their authority under applicable state or federal law, regulatory agencies may either attempt to help you resolve your complaint directly or record your complaint and recommend other action.
