Worst 25 U.S. Housing Market Forecast Hits 13 States

The Worst 25 U.S. housing markets in 2007 in the Housing Predictor forecast represent markets in thirteen states, which shows housing prices in much of the nation are still declining, despite local markets in another 13 states that are appreciating. Miami, Florida was selected as the #1 worst housing market in the nation, mainly because of a market that had seen high-flying double digit appreciation pushed by the over building of new condominiums causing Miami to spiral downward, resulting in a slower market with increasing unemployment.

More than 25,000 new condominiums are due

to be completed within the next 15 months in Miami, providing an inventory of new units on the market that will take years to sell out. Not all of the Miami market will see double digit depreciation in 2007, particularly not lower priced single family homes under $250,000. None the less, the average loss in values is forecast by Housing Predictor to hit 13.9% by years end.

In the west San Diego, California, which attracts many for its mild year round climate has a home market where sales are slow. San Diego will see prices fall an average of 13.5% in 2007 to take the second position on the Worst 25 Market list. San Diego experienced some of the fastest and highest appreciation in the nation before hikes in mortgage rates at first slowed the market and then brought appreciation to an end. Higher end homes in the outskirts of La Jolla known for being a home to the rich and famous are now being sold for as much as 35% off their all-time high prices of nearly three years ago.

California’s housing markets are showing signs of stabilizing in some areas, but it will take time for the markets to reach pricing levels where buyers are comfortable again in many parts of the state. California has more local housing markets on the Worst 25 list than any single other state with seven making the grade. On the east coast, the state of Florida is only second to California with four housing markets making the list, including Tampa and Orlando. However, many markets in Florida have already stabilized and are experiencing growth in sales activity. Florida’s markets slowed after a series of hurricanes hit the state in 2004 and 2005 only to pull out much earlier than many other areas of the country as a result.

New York, Massachusetts, Virginia, Colorado, Oregon, Michigan and New Jersey are among other states with markets listed on the Worst 25. Las Vegas, Nevada, which had the hottest real estate market in the nation for two years running almost hitting 50% appreciation on average over one year alone dropped to a distant 17th on the list. Sin City has seen its market hit the brakes and then begin to coast back to return with a more active market due to its enormous growth over the last five years alone.