The housing market has witnessed an unprecedented surge over the past three years, causing an affordability crisis across the U.S. While the ultra-low interest rates during the COVID-19 era initially sparked demand, the housing sector remained resilient throughout aggressive rate hikes over the past year. While the Federal Reserve easing its stance over the past two months has caused mortgage rates to come down slightly, home prices remain high. This comes as mortgage demand rose to a five-week high amid the slight dip in the 30-year fixed mortgage rate in mid-November. “Despite the recent dow…