After a tumultuous 2023, Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale joins Yahoo Finance Live to evaluate the housing market outlook for prospective buyers in 2024 amid lowering rates. Per a Realtor.com survey, 61% of first-time home shoppers feel "very optimistic" about purchasing in 2024, with 95% confident they can own eventually despite affordability challenges. Hale notes mortgage rate volatility creates difficulty planning, but advises buyers to "rate-proof" budgets accounting for rate/price changes. While climbing rates stifled demand last year, she says the recent downtrend is "fueling optimism" around renewed accessibility. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Yahoo Finance Live. Editor's note: This article was written by Angel Smith