LOS ANGELES — The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate edged lower for the second time in as many weeks, though it remains more than double what it was a year ago — a significant hurdle for many would-be homebuyers.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac reported today that the average on the benchmark 30-year rate fell to 6.58% from 6.61% last week. A year ago the average rate was 3.1%.

The rate for a 15-year mortgage, popular with those refinancing their homes, fell to 5.90% from 5.98% last week. It was 2.42% one year ago.

Late last month, the average long-term U.S. mortgage rate breached 7% for the first time since 2002. It climbed to 7.08% again earlier this month, but has pulled back in the two weeks since.