Average US long-term mortgage rate rises to 6.26%, the third straight increase

The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage edged higher for the third week in a row, though it remains close to its low point this year. The average long-term mortgage rate ticked up to 6.26% from 6.24% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.84%. Three weeks ago, the average rate was at 6.17%, its lowest level in more than a year. Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loans, also inched up this week. ...