| New Orleans, Louisiana, which had ranked as the | | | | The Albuquerque market had been showing signs |
| Top appreciating housing market in the Housing | | | | of slowing down in the last quarter of 2006, but |
| Predictor Top 25 Markets Forecast for 2007 has | | | | pro-active growth initiatives implemented by state |
| fallen to fourth position, despite healthy projected | | | | and local governments along with low interest rate |
| appreciation for the year. | | | | construction loans attractive to new businesses |
| The housing market in Albuquerque, New Mexico | | | | and tax incentives have bolstered the residential |
| is appreciating at a higher level causing the change | | | | housing market. |
| in the Top 25 Markets forecast. Eight local Texas | | | | Albuquerque is now forecast to appreciate 9.1% |
| markets, including Houston, which was in second | | | | on average in the Housing Predictor forecast in |
| position are on the list. | | | | 2007 to lead the nation in home appreciation. New |
| The home market, however, is still experiencing a | | | | housing starts, however, have slowed in |
| robust market in New Orleans with a healthy pace | | | | Albuquerque like most of the country, providing a |
| of sales in its recovery from the destruction | | | | stronger resale market than the area had |
| caused by Hurricane Katrina, but the Albuquerque | | | | experienced over even the past three years. |
| market is moving at a much faster rate of | | | | The majority, but not all, of the housing markets |
| appreciation. | | | | in the Top 25 Markets Forecast are located in the |
| Most of the local housing markets in Texas are | | | | southern half of the nation, which is experiencing |
| appreciating at or near record levels, performing | | | | unprecedented growth due to the migration of |
| at a pace equal to booming markets throughout | | | | people moving from colder northern climates. |
| much of the nation when interest rates were | | | | Bolstered by booming local economies, many |
| lower and a national real estate buying frenzy | | | | Sunbelt states are experiencing widespread |
| occurred until mortgage rates rose slowing the | | | | growth. The U.S. Census Bureau forecasts that by |
| real estate market place in many states. | | | | 2030 only three states, California, Texas and |
| Housing Predictor forecasts housing markets in | | | | Florida will house nearly half of the U.S. population. |
| more than 250 local markets in all 50 U.S. states, | | | | Texas is projected to gain more new residents |
| and regularly updates its forecasts as local market | | | | over the next decade than any other single state |
| conditions demand. | | | | in the nation. |