FHFA data showed nationwide prices kept climbing, but growth cooled versus earlier decade.
Regional differences mattered more, shaping home values and affordability across the US.
Midwest and South saw solid gains, tied to jobs, affordability, new residents.
Coastal high-price markets like CA and NY showed cooling, blamed on high entry costs.
Affordability stayed strained as mortgage rates rose, inflation hit budgets, construction costs climbed.
Remote work boosted suburban and rural demand for space, lower costs, quality of life.
