Jessica Lautz, NAR's deputy chief economist, said in a recent statement that homebuyers should stop focusing so much on mortgage rates: "Regardless the reason, homebuyers waiting on the sidelines for rates to drop will likely be waiting a long time."

Mortgage rates moved down this week, according to data from Freddie Mac released Thursday. “The average mortgage rate decreased this week, which is welcome news to potential homebuyers who also are seeing inventory improve and house price growth slow,

Despite a slight rise, 30-year mortgage rates are still hovering near their lowest point since early May. Several other loan types also saw just minor movement.