NEW YORK, Sept 7 (Reuters) - Key U.S. mortgage interest rates fell for a second week but held above 7% and remained near the highest in decades, according to a survey released Thursday by housing finance giant Freddie Mac. The average contract rate on 30-year-fixed-rate mortgages declined to 7.12% as of Thursday from 7.18% the prior week, Freddie Mac said. Mortgage rates climbed steadily over the past two years on the back of the Federal Reserve's rate hikes, and they recently spiked to the highest rate in more than two decades. A "For Rent, For Sale" sign is seen outside of a home in Washington, U.S., July 7, 2022. REUTERS/Sarah Silbiger/File Photo Acquire Licensing Rights“For the fourth consecutive week, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hovered above 7%,” said Sam Khater, chief economist at Freddie Mac.

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Persons: Freddie Mac, Sarah Silbiger, ”, Sam Khater, Andrew Flowers, Amina Niasse, Cynthia Osterman Organizations: REUTERS, Appcast Inc, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S