Are “life events” kick-starting a housing market recovery? After years of subdued activity, the U.S. housing market may finally be inching toward normalcy. As @odetakushi explains in her latest analysis, First American’s Real House Price Index is indicating that easing mortgage rates and modest affordability gains are nudging more buyers back into the market, with mortgage applications up 8 percent month-over-month and 19 percent year-over-year. Still, many homeowners remain locked-in by ultra-low pandemic-era rates, keeping inventory tight. So, what’s moving the needle? The inevitable milestones of life — marriage, growing families, job changes, and divorce — continue to drive housing demand even in challenging conditions. The takeaway? The road back to a balanced market will be gradual, powered less by speculation and more by necessity. #Housing #Affordability #LifeEvents