In this Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019 photo a newly constructed home sits near a sign, in Natick, Mass. On Thursday, Feb. 28, Freddie Mac reports on this week’s average U.S. mortgage rates. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

US mortgage rates mostly held steady this week

By The Associated Press February 28, 2019 at 12:47pm

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. long-term mortgage rates were unchanged this week, possibly helping affordability as home borrowing costs have been steadily declining since early November.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac says the average rate on the benchmark 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage held at 4.35 percent for the second straight week. This represents a slight decline from an average of 4.43 percent a year ago.

The average rate this week for 15-year, fixed-rate loans declined to 3.77 percent from 3.78 percent.

Mortgage rates hew closely to changes in the interest charged on 10-year U.S. Treasury notes. Lower borrowing costs appear to have improved the number of January contract signings to buy homes, making homes more affordable.

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