Home sales will be stymied in 2019 by high prices and “underbuilding” 

A shortage of entry-level homes will stymie the housing market this year, nullifying much of the impact of lower mortgage rates, according to a forecast by Diane Swonk, Grant Thornton chief economist. “The housing market will tread water in 2019 as supply constraints and affordability problems offset any gains from slightly lower mortgage rates,” Swonk said.