Glenn McCullom

Mortgage rates rose for the third consecutive week and with expected continued economic growth, further increases are likely.

Purchase loan applications were at their highest level in nearly eight years because of rising interest rates, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Mortgage industry hiring and new job appointments for the week ending Jan. 19.

Given the improving U.S. economy, mortgage rates will probably not fall back under the 4% mark anytime soon.

Even as mortgage rates rose to their highest level since March, application activity increased from one week earlier, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Mortgage industry hiring and new job appointments for the week ending Jan. 12.

Mortgage rates jumped across the board as investors sold some of their Treasury bond holdings, which led to higher yields, according to Freddie Mac.

Mortgage application volume started the year on the upswing because of higher refinance activity, even with a slight increase in rates.

Mortgage industry hiring and new job appointments for the week ending Jan. 5.

Mortgage rates dropped to start the year as the markets had little new news to react on during the holiday period.