Mortgage rates fell for the sixth week in a row, offering some financial relief to prospective home buyers. The 30-year mortgage rate averaged 6.76% as of Feb. 27, the lowest rate in over two months,

"This week, mortgage rates decreased to their lowest level in over two months," says Freddie Mac Chief Economist Sam Khater. "The drop in mortgage rates, combined with modestly improving inventory, is an encouraging sign for consumers in the market to buy a home."

Despite the recent improvement, things were better in September, when the 30-year average plunged to a two-year low of 5.89% (the cheapest Friday average being 6.03%). But rates bolted higher in October and November and then took additional steps higher around Christmas and in January.