No Relief In Sight as, Interest Rates , Continue to Rise.br NBC reports that mortgage rates continue to br climb, with the average interest rate on br a 30-year-mortgage rising to 7.48.br According to Mortgage News Daily, br it is the highest level reached br since November of 2000.br The high cost of a mortgage has put br homeownership even further out of reach br for many potential home buyers. .br NBC reports that other measures of interest br rates remain elevated, while lowering slightly.br Over the past several years, , mortgage rates , have almost tripled. .br NBC reports bond yields have also continued to rise, which are closely tied to mortgage rates, br amid steady growth by the U.S. economy.br NBC reports bond yields have also continued to rise, which are closely tied to mortgage rates, br amid steady growth by the U.S. economy.br The demand for bonds has also been impacted by the br U.S. deficit increasing, which increases the supply br of Treasury debt on the market, lowering prices.br The demand for bonds has also been impacted by the br U.S. deficit increasing, which increases the supply br of Treasury debt on the market, lowering prices.br Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve has br suggested that it intends to maintain the br elevated rates as a means to combat inflation.br According to federal economic data, br the average U.S. home sale price has br declined for two consecutive quarters. .br Black Knight, a mortgage services and technology br firm, reports that the current homebuying br market is the least affordable in nearly forty years.