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%.