This Wednesday, July 27, 2016, photo shows real estate signs at a new home community in Edmond, Okla. On Thursday, July 28, 2016, Freddie Mac reports on the week’s average U.S. mortgage rates. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

WASHINGTON | Long-term U.S. mortgage rates edged higher this week for a second straight week. They still are near historically low levels to encourage potential homebuyers.

This Wednesday, July 27, 2016, photo shows real estate signs at a new home community in Edmond, Okla. On Thursday, July 28, 2016, Freddie Mac reports on the week’s average U.S. mortgage rates. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
This Wednesday, July 27, 2016, photo shows real estate signs at a new home community in Edmond, Okla. On Thursday, July 28, 2016, Freddie Mac reports on the week’s average U.S. mortgage rates. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Mortgage giant Freddie Mac says the average for the benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose to 3.48 percent from 3.45 percent last week. The average rate is down sharply from 3.98 percent a year ago.

The 15-year fixed mortgage rate increased to 2.78 percent from 2.75 percent last week.