What is the term for when a lender guarantees a borrower a specific interest rate for a certain period?

The term for when a lender guarantees a borrower a specific interest rate for a certain period is a "lock-in period." This is a crucial aspect of mortgage lending, as it protects borrowers from interest rate fluctuations that might occur between the time they apply for a loan and the time the loan closes. During this period, the lender commits to providing the stated interest rate, which can be particularly beneficial in a rising interest rate environment.

This term conveys a strong assurance to the borrower, allowing them to plan their finances with greater certainty. Understanding the lock-in period concept helps borrowers recognize their options and negotiate terms that are most favorable to them when seeking financing for a home. Other terms like "fixed-rate agreement" and "rate commitment" are related but don't precisely capture the nature of the guarantee over a specific period as the lock-in period does.