You locked your rate — then the market moved in your favor. At most lenders, a lock is a lock. End of story. Not here. At Fifth Third, your locked rate can be renegotiated down before closing. No fees, no hassle — once your loan is conditionally approved, it takes nothing more than a written request. It does take a meaningful market improvement to open the door, and the qualification specifics depend on your exact loan — so ask me. The moment the market moves, I'll run your numbers and tell you exactly where you stand.

Because Fifth Third services 100% of our loans in-house, we offer something most lenders simply cannot — a recast after closing. Pay down at least $10,000 in principal and we'll recalculate your monthly payment at your original rate and remaining term. Your payment goes down. Permanently. No fees. No limit on how many times you do it. Many lenders don't offer recasts at all — and those that do typically charge a fee and cap how many you can use. Ours are free and unlimited.

We built the exit ramp into your loan from day one. When the market supports it — typically at a 0.500% or greater rate improvement — we can fully premium price your entire loan cost structure, not just lender fees. That means title, settlement, and third-party costs can all be covered through the rate. Truly zero out of pocket. On standard agency fixed loans, our Rate Drop Protector waives all lender fees if you refinance within 24 months. And if your appraisal is still within its 12-month window, we reuse it — saving you another $600–$900. This is exactly why U.S. News & World Report rated us the 2025 best lender for buying now and refinancing later.