Briefly

* A new California Assn. of Realtors survey tracking trends in technology use by association members revealed that, on average, nearly one in four real estate transactions is generated from the Internet. Agents’ use of the Internet in their marketing efforts has increased to 70% from 10% in 2003.

* The average rate on a benchmark 30-year mortgage rose to 5.82% last week from 5.72% the previous week amid signs the economy is improving, according to Freddie Mac. The one-year adjustable rate rose to 4.08% from 3.97%. The 15-year fixed rate rose to 5.24% from 5.12%.

* Existing home sales are expected to reach a record 6.49 million this year and then ease in 2005, the National Assn. of Realtors said Tuesday.

* New applications for U.S. home loans were virtually unchanged in the week ended Oct. 1 as 30-year mortgage rates rose to their highest level in a month, the Mortgage Bankers Assn. said Wednesday.

From Times wire reports