WASHINGTON (AP) — Average long-term U.S. mortgage rates rose this week yet remained below 4 percent for a 12th straight week.

Mortgage giant Freddie Mac says the average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage increased to 3.82 percent from 3.76 percent a week earlier. The rate on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages rose to 3.03 percent from 2.99 percent.

Despite the increase, rates remained well below last year's levels, providing an inducement for potential homebuyers.

A year ago, the average 30-year mortgage rate was 3.97 percent, while the rate for 15-year loans was 3.18 percent.