The average rate on the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage rate increased for a second straight week, rising to 4.15 percent, according to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey. The average 30-year fixed mortgage has an average of 0.40 discount and origination points.

The average 15-year fixed mortgage stepped up to 3.38 percent, while the jumbo 30-year fixed mortgage jumped to a three-month high of 4.73 percent. Adjustable mortgage rates were mostly higher, with the average 5-year ARM rising to 3.14 percent and the 7-year adjustable climbing to 3.33 percent. 

Mortgage rates increased thanks to more good news on the economy, a pat on the back from the Fed, and a Greek debt restructuring. Although the Federal Reserve is sticking with their late-2014 timetable for boosting short-term interest rates, a more upbeat tone from the Fed did not go unnoticed by investors. After talking down the economy at every opportunity in recent months, the Fed appears to have been swayed – at least a little – by the trend of improving economic data.

The last time mortgage rates were above 6 percent was Nov. 2008. At the time, the average 30-year fixed rate was 6.33 percent, meaning a $200,000 loan would have carried a monthly payment of $1,241.86. With the average rate now 4.15 percent, the monthly payment for the same size loan would be $972.21, a difference of $269 per month for anyone refinancing now.

SURVEY RESULTS

30-year fixed: 4.15% -- up from 4.11% last week (avg. points: 0.40)

15-year fixed: 3.38% -- up from 3.34% last week (avg. points: 0.33)

5/1 ARM: 3.14% -- up from 3.03% last week (avg. points: 0.33)

Bankrate's national weekly mortgage survey is conducted each Wednesday from data provided by the top 10 banks and thrifts in the top 10 markets.

For a full analysis of this week's move in mortgage rates, go to http://www.bankrate.com.

To see mortgage rates in your area, go to http://www.bankrate.com/funnel/mortgages/.