First American's chief economist told Fortune that lower mortgage rates will cool price growth. First American chief economist Mark Fleming told Fortune that the pace of price growth has likely topped out because mortgage rates are poised to decline this year. The hikes fueled an increase in 30-year mortgage rates to more than 8% in October — a two-decade high. AdvertisementLower mortgage rates promise to boost demand, as buyers will be able to afford more expensive homes once again. "Shark Tank" investor Barbara Corcoran disagreed, predicting they would pop by 15% or 20% once mortgage rates dropped to about 5%.

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Persons: Fortune, —, Mark Fleming, Sellers who'd, they'd, Fleming, Elon Musk, Barbara Corcoran Organizations: Service, First, Business