So far this year, average mortgage rates have stayed stubbornly high, bouncing between 6.5% and 7%, as financial markets weigh the risks of both higher inflation and an economic slowdown. Most homeowners, unable to save money by refinancing, are holding out for bigger rate drops.

The average rate on 30-year fixed home loans decreased to 6.67% for the week ending July 3, down from 6.77% last week.

Mortgage interest rates are consistently declining again. Here are three things homebuyers should do in response.