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.

U.S. mortgage rates dropped again this week following a period of increase. That's the word from Freddie Mac, which released its latest data. Freddie Mac reports the 30-year fixed mortgage rate averaged 6.69% for the week ending Dec. 5 — down from 6.81% last week. A year ago, mortgage rates averaged 7.03%.

U.S. mortgage rates dropped to the lowest level in nearly two months this week, a trend that if sustained could boost home sales in the coming months. The average rate on the popular 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to 6.

Average rate on 30-year mortgage hits 6.6%, its lowest level since late October and the third straight weekly decline

After sinking most of three weeks and notching a 7-week low, 30-year mortgage rates have ticked up the last two days. Rate movement for other loan types was mixed.

Long-term mortgage rates were down for the third consecutive week, but affordability issues persisted, according to the latest Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey. 30-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 6.