Average long-term U.S. mortgage rates eased slightly this week, continuing at low levels to entice potential homebuyers.

Mortgage giant Freddie Mac says the average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage declined to 3.85 percent from 3.86 percent a week earlier. The rate on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages ticked down to 3.07 percent from 3.08 percent.

Rates have stayed below 4 percent for 10 straight weeks.

The Federal Reserve announced Sept. 17 its decision to keep interest rates at record lows for now. A rate hike by the Fed could bring higher rates for home loans. The Fed has kept the federal funds rate near zero since the financial crisis struck in 2008.