It may be tempting to read the lack of movement in the Q1 2018 homeownership rate as a negative, especially on the heels of a string of incremental quarterly gains throughout 2017. But expecting consistent growth in the homeownership rate is unrealistic, and holding steady in the face of headwinds that emerged in the first quarter – including rising mortgage interest rates and continued lack of inventory – should be considered good enough, at least for now. And the flat headline number overshadows some otherwise very positive developments. The homeownership rate among those 35 years old or younger is up a full percentage point compared to a year ago, indicating first-time buyers are finding some success, despite difficulties. The Hispanic homeownership rate was up substantially from the norms of the past few years, and is closing in on 50 percent. The black homeownership rate, while still lagging well behind other groups, held steady and maintained the gains made over the past year. Those expecting the homeownership rate to rocket back to levels approaching 70 percent like they did last decade shouldn’t hold their breath – it will be years until we get back to those levels, if at all. A national homeownership rate around the 64 percent level we’re at now is much more in line with historic averages, and feels sustainable given current conditions.