Briefly

* The average rate on 30-year fixed mortgages fell last week to 5.74% from 5.77%, according to Freddie Mac. The 15-year fixed rate fell to 5.19% from 5.21%.

* California’s home builders are expected to begin construction this year on 210,000 homes and apartments, but that will still fall nearly 40,000 units short of the amount of new housing needed, according to the California Building Industry Assn.