The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate edged higher this week, with the benchmark 30-year fixed rate rising to 6.49% from 6.47% last week, according to mortgage buyer Freddie Mac. One year ago, the rate stood at 6.77%. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage, popular for refinancing, also ticked up to 5.84% from 5.81% last week, compared to 5.89% a year ago. These increases add significant monthly costs for borrowers, reducing their purchasing power.