Housing affordability is set to improve as home price growth slows to 1.2%, below inflation, leading to real price declines. Mortgage rates are expected to stay steady at 6.3%, with monthly payments declining 1.9% this year. Existing home sales may rise modestly to 4.1 million, while inventory growth slows to 3.6%. Sellers are adjusting prices realistically, and buyer-seller negotiations are improving market stability.