Freddie Mac’s average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage ticked down to 6.81% for the week ending April 24.

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.

After declining for four consecutive days, mortgage rates for 30-year loans marched in place Tuesday. Rates dropped for many other loan types as well.