“Mortgage rates jumped to their highest level in more than three years last week, as investors continue to price in the impact of a more restrictive monetary policy from the Federal Reserve. Not surprisingly, refinance application volume declined further, as fewer borrowers have an incentive to apply at rates that are significantly higher than a year ago." --MBA Chief Economist Mike Fratantoni.

In the first of four major employment reports this week, the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Tuesday reported job openings fell slightly in February, while another 4.1 percent of Americans quit their jobs—showing while employees continue to retain the upper hand in a volatile housing market, that grip could be starting to slip.