Mortgages on the upswing in state

Reflecting increased real estate activity and lower rates, mortgage originations are on the upswing in Connecticut.

The Commercial Record reported Tuesday that mortgages written statewide increased by more than 16 percent so far this year. Refinances are particularly strong, rising 17 percent, while purchase mortgages have grown 11.5 percent over the first four months of the year compared with the same period last year.

Through April, 43,179 mortgages have been originated, a boost from 37,074 over the same period in 2011. Purchase mortgages reached 6,136, up from 5,504 last year, while refinances have grown to 37,043 from 31,570 over the period.