As Tom Petty sang, “The waiting is the hardest part.” Was he referring to homebuyer hopefuls? Not sure, but either way, it’s almost go-time for those who’ve waited patiently for mortgage rates to finally begin a downward trajectory after years of staying in the high sixes, sevens and even briefly the eights. Inflation has cooled, somewhat, and the Fed has practically promised a rate cut at its next meeting in mid-September.