The housing market has long been sluggish, and the year ahead is unlikely to feature any massive changes to that trajectory, although some experts are optimistic about some slight improvements.

Affordability is the No. 1 issue facing consumers heading into the midterm elections — and also the No. 1 issue when it comes to prospective homebuyers hoping to purchase a home. Mortgage rates are also high, and many homeowners with much lower mortgage rates are hanging on to their houses given those lower rates.