Average U.S. long-term mortgage rates edged higher this week after four weeks of declines, but they remained at historically low levels that could entice potential homebuyers.

Mortgage company Freddie Mac says the nationwide average for a 30-year mortgage rose to 3.93 percent this week from 3.89 percent last week. It is now at its lowest level since June 2013.

Rates are about a half-point lower than at the beginning of the year, when the benchmark 30-year rate stood at 4.53 percent.

The average for a 15-year mortgage, a popular choice for people who are refinancing, increased to 3.20 percent from 3.10 percent last week.

(AP)