: For much of 2018, mortgage rates hovered between 4% and 5% . Experts from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) predicted rates would climb steadily throughout the year, eventually reaching 5% by the fourth quarter.

Buying a house in 2018 was generally considered a sound financial move for many, as it was the best purchase year for first-time buyers since 2006. While mortgage rates were beginning to rise and inventory remained tight, the market offered a window of opportunity before the more significant volatility of later years.

: Home prices continued to rise, but at a more moderate pace of roughly 3.2% , compared to the 5.5% increase seen in 2017.