Interest Rates for home purchases remained low at year-end.  The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage finished 2010 at 4.86% which was up from 4.17% recorded earlier in the Fall.  The average 15-year fixed rate mortgage finished 2010 at 4.20% which was up from 3.57% earlier in November.  Considering rates were hovering near 20% on this date in 1980, today sub 5% rates look very attractive for first time and move-up homebuyers.