WASHINGTON (AP) — Fixed mortgage remain a bargain at the start of the spring-buying season: The average rate on the 30-year mortgage dipped last week, while the 15-year loan fell to a new record low.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac says the rate on the 30-year loan ticked down to 3.88 percent, from 3.90 percent the previous week. That's slightly above the 3.87 percent average rate hit three weeks ago, which was the lowest since long-term mortgages began in the 1950s.

The average on the 15-year fixed mortgage fell to 3.13 percent, from 3.17 percent a week ago.

Rates on the 30-year loan have been below 4 percent for three months. That has made home-buying and refinancing more attractive for those who can qualify.