In 2026, the U.S. housing market will see modest growth with mortgage rates averaging 6.3% and home prices rising 2.2%. Existing-home sales are expected to increase 1.7% to 4.13 million, while inventory grows nearly 9%, creating a more balanced market favoring buyers. Affordability improves as incomes outpace inflation, and rents decline, especially in the South and West. New construction offers...