Rates on a 30 year fixed rate mortgage showed little change this week even during the Government stall in regards to raising the debt ceiling.  The rates showed a slight incline from 4.52% to 4.55% in a weekly comparison, according to mortgage giant, Freddie Mac. Rates on a 15-year mortgage, popular amongst re-financers, remained unchanged at 3.66%.

Although the rates remain low, they have done very little to boost the real estate market.  The high unemployment rate, continual drop in home prices and the tight lending standards have kept many potential homebuyers on the sidelines.

Freddie Mac collects mortgage rates from lenders across the nation weekly, Monday through Wednesday, and as the mortgage rates tend to follow long term treasury yields, they can change significantly even on a given day.

Rates do not include extra fees, also known as points.  One point is the equivalent to 1% of the total loan amount.