The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. eased for the second week in a row, but remains just below 7%, little relief for prospective home shoppers looking ahead to the spring homebuying season.

Freddie Mac reports its Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.95% this week, the same as the previous week.

Freddie Mac’s average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate loan was 6.95% for the week ending January 30, virtually unchanged from a week ago. Elevated rates continue to keep many would-be buyers on the sidelines as housing affordability remains challenging.

Mortgage rates remained largely flat this week amid affordability hurdles among homebuyers, showed the latest Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey. 30-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 6.95% as of January 30,