US average 30-year mortgage rate jumps to 3.50 percent

WASHINGTON — Long-term U.S. mortgage rates rose this week, with the benchmark 30-year loan reaching its highest level since June. Rates remain at historically low levels, however. Mortgage giant Freddie Mac said Thursday the average for the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage jumped to 3.50 percent from 3.44 percent last week. It was the highest level since