Mortgage rates were slightly higher this week.

The average 30-year fixed rate rose 5 basis points, to 5.23 percent. A basis point is one-hundredth of a percentage point.

This week's average 15-year fixed rate -- a popular option for refinancing -- increased 4 basis points, to 4.76 percent.

The average jumbo 30-year fixed plunged 17 basis points, to 6.52 percent.

Adjustable-rate mortgages were split. The one-year, adjustable-rate mortgage bumped up 4 basis points, to 5.32 percent. The popular 5/1 ARM slipped 1 basis point, to 5.11 percent.

Mortgage application activity rose for the sixth time in seven weeks.  For the week ending April 17, applications grew by a seasonally adjusted 5.3 percent compared to one week earlier, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Refinancing activity was up 7.7 percent, while applications for new purchase actually fell 4.2 percent.

U.S. home prices rose a seasonally adjusted 0.7 percent between January and February, according to statistics from the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

Each month, the FHFA compiles its house price index by examining new mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The index is down 6.5 percent from one year ago and is 9.5 percent lower than its April 2007 peak.

February price gains were highest in the Pacific Division, rising 3.8 percent in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington. 

The East North Central Division fared the worst, declining 1.2 percent in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin.

To find and compare mortgage rates in your area, visit Bankrate's interactive search tool.

-- Chris Kissell