As the end of the year neared its end and with most people distracted by holiday and family events, mortgage activity was listless and rates were mixed for the week ended December 22 (Freddie Mac) and December 23 (Mortgage Bankers Association.)

Happily, for those still hoping to buy or refinance a house in early 2006, rates, while trending upward, are doing so very slowly and during this most recent week most rates were down a bit.

According to Freddie Mac's Weekly Primary Mortgage Market Survey, the average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage during the week was 6.26 percent with 0.6 in fees and points. This rate was four basis points lower than that reported for the week ended December 15 although fees and points were up from 0.5.