The average conforming 30-year fixed mortgage increased this week to 5.13 percent, according to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey. The average 30-year fixed mortgage has an average of 0.42 discount and origination points.

The average 15-year fixed mortgage moved higher, to 4.53 percent while the larger jumbo 30-year fixed rate inched upward to 6.01 percent. Adjustable rate mortgages were mixed, with the average 1-year ARM falling to 5.28 percent and the 5-year ARM climbing to 4.60 percent.

Mortgage rates moved higher for a third consecutive week. But rates are still at levels that were considered record lows up until one month ago. An improving economy and a glut of government debt issuance has served to push yields on government debt higher in recent weeks. Yields on the ten-year Treasury note are currently the highest since August. Mortgage rates are closely related to yields on long-term Treasury securities.

Mortgage rates are more than one-half percentage point lower than six months ago. In mid-June, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 5.76 percent, meaning a $200,000 loan would have carried a monthly payment of $1,168.42. With the average rate now 5.13 percent, the monthly payment for the same size loan would be $1,089.59, a savings of $79 per month for a homeowner refinancing now.

SURVEY RESULTS

30-year fixed: 5.13% - up from 5.04% last week (avg. points: 0.42)

15-year fixed: 4.53% - up from 4.47% last week (avg. points: 0.40)

5/1 ARM: 4.60% - up from 4.55% last week (avg. points: 0.39)