The number of U.S. mortgage applications jumped 9.4% in the latest week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association, as lower interest rates finally enticed more borrowers to the table. The average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to 6.77% from 6.79% the week before, the lowest level in three months. In response, refinance requests increased 9% for the week and 56% for the year. Home buyers also took advantage of the lower rates, with applications for home purchase loans also increasing 9% for the week and growing 25% from the previous year.