While still affordable, mortgage rates climbed slightly higher this week, Freddie Mac reports. The 30-year fixed averaged 3.42 percent, its highest reading since September 29, 2012, while the 15-year fixed rate averaged 2.71 percent, according to Freddie Mac. Read Freddie Mac’s news release.

“Fixed mortgage rates were up slightly over the holiday week but remain highly affordable and should continue to aid in the ongoing housing recovery, ” said Frank Nothaft, vice president and chief economist for Freddie Mac.