Could This Be The Best Week Of The Year To Buy A House?

Mortgage rates have eased off last week’s three-month highs. But rates are likely to creep back up by the end of the year. That means anyone who’s looking to buy a home or refinance will want to pounce while there’s still time.

This week, the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady after a two-day meeting that ended Wednesday. In turn, the average rate for the benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage slipped a couple of notches in Bankrate’s weekly survey.

That's the good news. The bad? A rate increase is still seen as pretty much a sure thing the next time policymakers meet in mid-December. Get a free monthly estimate with Bankrate's mortgage calculator.

Compare Mortgage Rates In Your Area

Mortgage rates fall

The benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell this week to 4.10 percent from 4.13 percent, according to Bankrate’s weekly survey of large lenders. A year ago, it was 3.69 percent. Four weeks ago, the rate was 4.06 percent.

So what's that mean for the housing market in your neck of the woods? Take a look at local mortgage rates, and browse homes on the market.

Check out homes for sale in your town:

Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images for Redfin