With new lending guidelines in effect in April, mortgage applicants with less than 20% down will have to qualify at the 5 year posted rate as opposed to the 3 year rate previously used. On the down side: This could require applicants to put more down and potentially force them into a lower purchase price range. With historic low interest rates, the fear is rates going up and home owners finding themselves in a position of not being able to afford their mortgages. The upside of the new guidelines will not only protect lenders but offer a built in level of insurance for home owners in the event rates do go up.