U.S. home prices forecast to rise modestly as Fed cuts rates - Reuters poll
U.S. home prices will rise relatively modestly this year and next despite tight supply and expected U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, according to housing analysts polled by Reuters who said purchasing affordability will improve but would remain strained. Forecasts for U.S. house prices have barely changed since the previous survey three months ago, despite more aggressive expectations in financial markets for interest rate cuts, suggesting this upswing will be more subdued than in the recent past. Much of that price appreciation has to do with homeowners who have locked in low 30-year mortgage rates - most under 5% and some even below 3% - and who are unwilling to part ways with their homes on such cheap deals.