Fixed Mortgage Rates Sink to Record Lows

With fixed mortgage rates falling, 2012 looks to be another year of opportunity for the few who can afford to buy or refinance a home.

Freddie Mac says the average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 3.91 percent this week, matching the record low reached two weeks ago.

The average on the 15-year fixed mortgage ticked down to 3.23 percent from 3.24 percent. That's up from 3.21 percent two weeks, also a record low.

Mortgage rates are lower because they tend to track the yield on the 10-year Treasury note, which fell below 2 percent this week.

Still, cheap mortgage rates have done little too boost the depressed housing market. Many Americans either can't take advantage of the rates or have already done so.