Mortgage rates this week are at seven-month lows and teetering on the 45-year low levels of last summer,

Low mortgage rates continue to fuel the housing market, making homeownership more attainable to a broader segment of families,

So far this year, fixed-rate mortgage rates have risen only slightly. Long-term mortgage rates are only marginally higher than they were two months ago.

Mortgage rates were relatively unchanged this week as the markets wait for the results of the upcoming Federal Reserve policy committee meeting.

Freddie Mac's own economic forecast calls for a mild and gradual increase in 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rates to about 6 percent by the end of the year. Low mortgage rates will sustain a brisk housing market, leading to record home sales and single-family construction this year.

Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) were more strongly affected by the latest Federal Reserve rate hike this week. However, mortgage rates continue to be extremely affordable and the outlook for the housing sector appears bright.