WASHINGTON (AP) - The average U.S. rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage rose this week to its highest level in seven months but remains near historic lows. Low mortgage rates have helped support the gradually recovering housing market.
Freddie Mac says the average rate for the 30-year fixed loan rose to 3.63 percent from 3.52 percent last week.
It's the highest rate since August. But it's still near the 3.31 percent reached in November, which was the lowest on records dating to 1971.
The average rate on the 15-year fixed mortgage rose to 2.79 percent, up from 2.76 percent last week. The record low is 2.63 percent.
Cheap mortgages are encouraging more people to buy or refinance and are helping sustain the economy's recovery. The increased sales are also helping lift home prices.
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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