A few years ago, sellers could get away with saying "no" to just about everything.

If affordability has been the biggest thing standing between you and a home, there's a little good news.

Data shows inflation is moving in the wrong direction. But before the headlines send anyone into a panic, here's what's actually going on, why it matters for the housing market, and what it means if you're thinking about buying or selling.

You started shopping with a specific mental image of your future home in your mind. Then the houses in your budget came in smaller than you pictured.