The surge of borrowers looking for Mortgage Refinance has created somewhat of a phenomenon during uncertain economic times. Mortgage rates have dropped below 6% after the Federal Reserve announced its plan to buy mortgage-backed securities to loosen the tight hold on consumer lending.

The sudden drop in rates is proof enough the mortgage finance surge has found lenders under-prepared. This heightened activity seems to be happening during a time when they could really maximize on the opportunity to make up for the losses from last year’s fiasco. Short-handed lenders are having difficulties following up with prospective customers and there are warnings to expect delays in applications as understaffed lenders race to fulfill requests for mortgage refinance.

Buying mortgage-backed securities has already started to take place as of the second week in January of 2009, as the plan of action the Federal Reserve announced in November of 2008. This has spurred even more activity for the mortgage finance business, also adding to the struggle lenders are currently experiencing after the financial downturn of last year, forcing lenders to downsize.

Other department employees experienced in finance within the lending institutions have been temporarily transplanted to handle the increasing mortgage refinance applications. The anticipation of rates climbing and back to their previous position has created a sense of urgency in people looking to refinance. It is possible to see change from hour to hour after tracking the history of rates over the past years so the concern is understandable.

Lenders are pulling staff from other departments to handle the demand for mortgage refinance. Consumers are worried about the possibility of rates going back up before they can lock in. The history of fluctuating rates proves there is great chance this could happen as it is possible it can change from one hour to the next.

If there are contacts directly related to the lending industry or connections with a real estate agent that can act as a liaison to help deal with a mortgage refinance, this will offer a stronger start. There is also the possibility some lenders may not have the time reply to the message or to an online application before some are able to lock in a great rate.

If told to apply directly on their website for a mortgage refinance, after going through the trouble of finally getting to a live person, it is obviously time to take a more aggressive approach. For those who do manage to reach a lender, know the most recent rate available. This will help out as some online lending sites will not post the best rates out of fear of being bound by them if they should change.

Any connections directly related to the lending industry or connections with a real estate agent that can act as a liaison to help deal with a mortgage refinance will help greatly. There is a strong possibility some lenders may not reply to the message or to an online application. With business presently looking up for lenders, it would be smart to secure that magic number by not waiting around for the lender to respond.