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

The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances ($766,550 or less) decreased to 6.67% from 6.69%.

Mortgage rates fell from 6.81% last week to 6.69% for a 30-year fixed home loan for the week ending Dec. 5, according to Freddie Mac. “This week, mortgage rates decreased to their lowest level in over a month,

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.