Mushingstall,
Hiya, yes the rates have come down in line with Bofe. I signed my loan docs last Friday (I'm one of the last to get the secured loan as I'm on ICP). My orignal rate in July was 7.7% and it's now about 5.2 I cannot rem exactly though. It actually made quite a difference for me.
I also advise you to do the assessment first then worry about money. I've heard a couple of guys having to get mortgages frm parents or loans for around the 95k mark. 20 k so they can pay it back straight away, then rest for the course.
Best of luck for stage 4!
Jim