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.

Some forecasters expect the Fed to cut interest rates by a quarter-point Wednesday. Most, however, expect a half-point reduction. The CME FedWatch forecast tracker favored a half-point cut by a 55-45 margin at midday. (Earlier Wednesday, forecasters rated the probability of a half-point reduction even higher.)