Average US long-term mortgage rate barely budges, holding near 6%

The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate barely budged this week, staying close to 6% as the spring home-buying season nears. The benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate edged up to 6.11%, essentially flat compared to last week when it was 6.1%, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. One year ago, the rate averaged 6.89%. This is the latest increase since the average rate eased three weeks ago to 6.06%, its lowest level in more than three years. Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, po ...