The AP reported that analysts are convinced rising mortgage rates will not derail the housing recovery because consumers who have been delaying home purchases are now anxious to proceed in order to avoid higher rates in the future. Even though “the jump in rates should test the strength of the recovery, analysts foresee stable sales increases over the next year for a number of reasons.” Analysts also point to the fact that the demand for mortgages remains strong in areas such as Los Angeles and Washington, DC, in defiance of the usual seasonal trends.