Sales of previously owned homes in the United States fell sharply in August, despite mortgage rates plummeting that month. But much more housing demand will likely be unleashed onto the market after the Federal Reserve finally cut interest rates this week for the first time in four years — and signaled more rate cuts by year’s end.

Borrowers are finally starting to see signs of hope. Mortgage rates are at their lowest point in 18 months—and expected to fall further—after the Federal Reserve cut short-term interest rates by 0.50% or 50 basis points for the first time since the onset of the pandemic.