The Federal Reserve held its key interest rate steady for the fourth time this year on Wednesday, leaving its benchmark lending rate unchanged at a range of 4.25 percent to 4.5 percent. For homebuyers, this means that mortgage rates are likely to keep hovering around the 7-percent mark for the foreseeable future.

Later today, the Federal Reserve is expected to extend a pause on interest rate cuts for a fourth consecutive time this year. While mortgage rates could see some volatility, many economists expect them to stay relatively flat until the economic picture changes.

Some of the rate stability can be attributed to the Federal Reserve. The central bank has left short-term interest rates untouched this year, including at its June 17-18 meeting. In a statement, the Fed said it would keep an eye on inflation and employment to decide what to do next — and when.