The Federal Reserve held its key interest rate steady for the fourth time this year on Wednesday, leaving its benchmark lending rate unchanged at a range of 4.25 percent to 4.5 percent. For homebuyers, this means that mortgage rates are likely to keep hovering around the 7-percent mark for the foreseeable future.

Mortgage rates are down and still under 7%. Today’s national average on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 6.86%, according to Bankrate. If you choose a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage, the average rate is 6.

"With borrowing costs elevated, buyers can take steps to reduce their housing expenses by securing a lower mortgage rate," said Hannah Jones, senior research analyst at Realtor.co