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Average U.S. mortgage rates were virtually unchanged this week, remaining near historic lows, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday.

The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage was 3.52 percent, up from last week’s 3.51 percent. Last year at this time, the rate averaged 3.88 percent.

The rate for a 15-year fixed rate this week was 2.76 percent on average, the same as last week. A year ago the rate was 3.13 percent, on average.

Low rates continue to spur a pickup in home buying and have encouraged more homeowners to refinance. Current rates are among the lowest in 65 years.

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