The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage fell again this week, slipping close to its low point so far this year.

The decline brings the average long-term mortgage rate from last week's 6.23% to 6.19%, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation mortgage buyer, Freddie Mac, said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.69%.

This is the second straight weekly drop in the average rate after three straight increases. It's now at the lowest level since Oct. 30, when it was at 6.17%, the lowest level in more than a year.

Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loans, also fell this week.

The rate averaged 5.44%, down from 5.51%. A year ago, it was 5.96%, Freddie Mac said.

Mortgage rates are influenced by several factors, from the Fe

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