What does it mean to "float" an interest rate?

Floating an interest rate refers to the practice of allowing the interest rate on a loan to adjust or change prior to the loan being finalized or secured by the lender. This means that the borrower does not lock in a specific interest rate at the outset; instead, they take the risk that the rate may rise or fall based on market conditions before the loan is actually closed. Floating can be beneficial if the interest rates are expected to drop, potentially resulting in a lower rate when the loan is finally secured.

In contrast, maintaining a fixed interest rate throughout the loan period involves agreeing to a specific rate that does not change over time. Locking in a low rate immediately secures that interest rate, preventing any fluctuations, while opting out of an interest rate entirely would imply that no interest is paid, which is not a typical option in conventional lending scenarios. Therefore, allowing the interest rate to fluctuate up until the point of securing the loan captures the essence of floating an interest rate.