WASHINGTON (AP) — The average rate on the 30-year mortgage stayed near 4 percent for the third straight week, just above the record low. But cheap mortgage rates have done little to boost home sales or refinancing.

Freddie Mac says the rate on the 30-year loan ticked up to 4 percent from 3.99 percent. Six weeks ago, it dropped to a record low of 3.94 percent, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research.

The average rate on the 15-year fixed mortgage rose to 3.31 percent from 3.30 percent. Six weeks ago, it hit a record low of 3.26 percent.

Rates have been below 5 percent for all but two weeks this year. Yet this year could be the worst for home sales in 14 years.