I'm Doug Whiteman with your weekly look at mortgage rates. Fixed mortgage rates recorded the biggest one week increase since last March, with the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage rate rising to 3.77 percent this week, according to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey.
The average 15-year fixed mortgage rate climbed back above the 3 percent mark for the first time since September, hitting 3.03 percent, while the larger jumbo 30-year fixed mortgage jumped to 4.17 percent. Adjustable rate mortgages were also higher, with the 3-year ARM increasing to 3.04 percent and the 7-year ARM settling at 2.96 percent, both six-month highs.
Mortgage rates were up for the second week in a row, and remain at the highest levels since September, as the benchmark 10-year Treasury note yield crossed the 2 percent mark this week. Mortgage rates are closely related to yields on long-term government bonds. With the fiscal cliff averted and the debt ceiling debate delayed, the immediate risk of an economic contraction has declined, pushing bond yields and mortgage rates higher, at least temporarily.
With mortgage rates on the rise, it's even more important to shop around. To find the best mortgage rates in your area, check out the free search engine at Bankrate.com. I'm Doug Whiteman.