News this week that mortgage rates are approaching 4%, down from around 4.75% a year ago, has people submitting more loan applications than in recent months. Refinance applications are at a three year high, constituting around 49% of all mortgage apps, although purchase applications are also up. In fact, the share of apps for refinances went up 7% in the last week alone. See the Bankrate.com website or the Wall Street Journal for more information.