Homeownership is often seen as a cornerstone of the American Dream. But for some who bought in recent years, it’s become a costly source of stress.

The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage edged up this week, ending a five-week decline in borrowing costs for homebuyers

30-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 6.81% as of June 18, down from 6.84% last week and 6.87% in the year-ago week, this week's Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey results showed.

Average long-term US mortgage rate eases to 6.81%, the third consecutive weekly decline The long-term rate fell to 6.81% from 6.84% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Wednesday.

The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage fell for the fifth straight week to its lowest level since early April, an encouraging sign for home shoppers facing rising home prices.

With the latest decline, the average mortgage rate is now back to where it was in mid-May, reflecting a recent pullback in bond yields.