Mortgage rates fell for the first time in three weeks this week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday.

Freddie Mac's latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey, released Thursday, showed the average rate on the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage decreased to 6.3% from last week's reading of 6.34%.

The average rate on a 30-year loan was 6.32% a year ago.

"Over the last few weeks, mortgage rates have settled in at their lowest level in about a year," said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. "There is growing evidence that homebuyers are digesting these lower rates and gradually are willing to move forward with buying a home, which is boosting purchase activity."

The average rate on the 15-year fixed mortgage fell to 5.53% from last week's reading of 5.55%.

One year ago, the

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