Confidence among US homebuilders edged up in December as builders continued to deploy sales incentives to motivate buyers.

An index of market conditions from the National Association of Home Builders and Wells Fargo rose 1 point this month to 39, the highest since April. Still, a value below 50 means more builders see conditions as poor than good.

Mortgage rates have been hovering in the 6.3%-6.4% range the past couple months, near their one-year lows, which has marginally helped to move some buyers off the sidelines. However, builders have still been forced to offer price breaks and other concessions that are eating into profits.