This Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012, photo, shows a home for sale in Leucadia, Calif. Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages fell to fresh record lows this week, a trend that is boosting home

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This Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012, photo, shows a home for sale in Leucadia, Calif. Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages fell to fresh record lows this week, a trend that is boosting home sales and aiding the housing recovery. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012, that the average rate on the 30-year loan dipped to 3.31 percent, the lowest on records dating back to 1971. That's down from 3.34 percent last week, the previous record low. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) less