Freddie Mac reported today that fixed mortgage rates fell this week on weaker economic news. The 30-year, fixed rate mortgage averaged 4.41 percent compared to 4.51 last week and the 15-year, fixed rate was down to 3.45 percent. Mortgage interest rates have bounced up and down in recent months, but when you take a broader look at trends — as illustrated in this Illinois Association of REALTORS® infographic — you see that rates are still low and affordable.