We expect to see a surge in mortgage applications in coming months. Couple low rates with HARP 2.0, the federal mortgage program that will enable millions of underwater homeowners to tap the mortgage market, and mortgage loan demand is sure to grow.

The combination of low rates and HARP 2.0 alone is enough to send business through the roof. Now we get word the Obama administration wants to allow more homeowners to refinance by dropping fees on federally insured mortgages. The administration's plan has the FHA dropping upfront insurance premiums on streamline refinances from 1% to 0.01%. The FHA would also drop annual premiums from 1.15% of the loan balance to 0.55%.

There is one catch: the lower fees only apply to borrowers who took out loans before June 1, 2009 . Still, lower-fee FHA loans are expected to help two to three million borrowers refinance.

The prospect of rising mortgage demand is worth keeping in mind as we head into the spring and summer selling season. Lenders will be busy, and sometimes very busy. Our advice, which we've offered in the past, is not to wait. For buyers, home affordability has never been better; for refinancers, rates have never been lower.

Given the present market dynamics, we think the risk of waiting to refinance or to buy a home far outweighs the possible reward of a lower home price or a lower interest rate.

Courtesy of Jessica Regan.

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