"It's going to get cheaper 6going forward, but I'm not going to call it easy or less painful." 

Economist Joe Brusuelas says the Federal Reserve is 7poised to lower interest rates next year, which could make homes more 8affordable. According to the U.S. National Home Price Index released this week, house prices 9hit a new record high in October. That's when mortgage rates were above 7%, the highest levels in 23 years. That, plus historically low inventory, continued to push up home prices. So what can you do if you're looking to buy in 2024? 

"When you get back in the market, houses are going to come. And when there's a lot of demand, they're going to go fast, somebody else is gonna be ready to move. You want that person to be you."

10Real estate 11investor David Greene has these four tips.

One, improve your financial position to increase your chances of getting a better loan like paying off debt, saving more money and improving your credit.

Two, step up your market research. Get realistic and consider what you can actually afford and what your 12priorities are. "You can change everything about the house except where it's located. So really prioritize the houses in the areas that work the best for you, not the houses that look the best."

Three, once you get your loan approved, get your 13loan officer and your 14realtor working together. 

And finally, consider waiting until wintertime. That's when home sales traditionally slow down, so there will be less 15competition.