Dec. 24--Fixed mortgage rates ticked up this week but remain near lows for the year, according to Freddie Mac's weekly survey of lenders.
The average rate for a 30-year loan hit 3.83%, up from its 2014 low of 3.8% last week, the mortgage finance giant said Wednesday. Lenders, on average, offered a 15-year fixed mortgage for 3.10%, compared to 3.09% a week earlier.
Experts expected mortgage rates to climb this year, but instead they're closing out below 2013 levels. A year ago, lenders offered a 30-year-fixed mortgage at 4.48%.
A variety of factors have pushed the cost of money down, including concerns over global economies.
Freddie Mac's survey asks lenders each week about the terms they offer low-risk borrowers on loans up to $417,000.
Actual rates are influenced by many factors, including a borrower's debt load and credit history.
