Mortgage rates projected ↓ to ~6.3%, down from avg. 6.6% in 2025.
Housing payments expected to fall only ~1.3%, offering minimal relief.
Home prices to ↑ ~2% nationally; regional differences remain significant.
Inventory ↑ 50% above pre-pandemic in South/West, but ↓ 30-50% in Midwest/Northeast.
Most market movement from necessity; no major shift expected in 2026.
