Wells Fargo now expects the 30-year fixed mortgage rate to average 7.1 percent in the first quarter, while it will slide down to 6.9 percent between April and June.

Since the 1970s, the average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage has been around 7%. While market forces are out of your control, there are ways to make buying a home slightly more affordable.

Mortgage rates are climbing: The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate hovered close to 7% in May, peaking at 7.02% on May 27, up from 6.62% in mid-April.

The Motley Fool has premium stock recommendation and portfolio management services with different goals: dividend, growth, value, retirement, income, preservation & options strategies.