The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. has eased for the third week in a row. That's a welcome trend for prospective homebuyers during what’s typically a less competitive time of the year for the housing market.

The rate on the popular U.S. 30-year fixed-rate mortgage will average around 6.0% next year and help to boost new housing construction and stimulate demand for previously owned homes, the National Association of Realtors predicted on Thursday.