WASHINGTON (AP) — 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.

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.