 That drop included declines in all regions, northeast, southeast, midwest, and west. The chief factor holding back sales was a lack of affordability, with mortgage rates more than double their levels from the end of 2021. Andrew O'Day, Bloomberg Business, on WBZ Boston's Newsradio. Our stories come alive on social media, local news from local reporters. Follow WBZ Newsradio on Instagram and TikTok at WBZ Newsradio.