The average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate loan is 3.76%, mortgage-finance giant Freddie Mac said Thursday, down from 3.89% the prior week. The conflict in Ukraine is one reason rates remain low for the moment, say economists and analysts. Investors tend to gravitate toward what are viewed as safer investments during times of upheaval, such as U.S. Treasury bonds and mortgage-backed securities. Mortgage rates are closely tied to the 10-year Treasury note yield, which fell earlier this week. For buyers wondering about locking in a rate now, mortgage experts say it is a good time to do so |