WASHINGTON (AP) — Long-term U.S. mortgage rates edged higher this week, remaining near historically low levels as a continued enticement to prospective homebuyers.

Mortgage giant Freddie Mac says the average for the benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose to 3.45 percent from 3.42 percent last week. The average rate is down sharply from 4.04 percent a year ago.

The 15-year fixed mortgage rate increased to 2.75 percent from 2.72 percent last week.