Lowest Interest Rate In History...30 year fixed

What is the standard for the lowest interest rate in history?Freddie Mac, one of the governing bodies of home loans in America, reported that their survey on rates goes back as far as 1971, and 4.78% last week was the lowest National average for a 30 year fixed loan. As of today, the rates have worked their way above that standard again, but word and hope is that they will return and break that record once again before 2009 ends. "Place your bets though", because banks and lenders are VERY stingy with their money right now and the trend shows that the lower rates get, the harder they make it for economic data to influence the recent minuscule drops we have seen compared to the healthy increases from said economic data on the adverse side.
President Obama made note in a recent home refinance talk about his recognition of these record breaking rates, and said further, "But he warned people to watch out for scam artists." He was speaking about the lenders asking for up front money to refinance a home...this is typically a non-reimbursement fee they call application fee. Many lenders collect for an appraisal up front, but this money is sometimes reimbursable and in the end is used directly toward the cost of the appraisal rather than padding the pocket of the "scam artist" type loan person. So, do not get this mixed up with the "scammer's" upfront fee.