Mortgage rates are down today and still under 7%. Today’s national average on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 6.82%, according to Bankrate. If you choose a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage, the average rate is 6.

Mortgage rates for 30-year loans declined for a fourth day following a turbulent month of ups and downs. Rates fell for many other loan types as well.

Most housing economists expect average rates for a 30-year fixed mortgage to hover between 6.5% and 7% throughout the year, which could encourage some homebuyers to enter the market in time for spring. At the same time, high home prices and limited inventory, on top of the loss of purchasing power, remain a challenge.