The housing market is experiencing significant declines nationwide. Housing starts are at 12-year lows, foreclosures have more than doubled, and builder confidence is at record low levels. The average home price has fallen 3.2% from 2006, and 86 of the largest housing markets will see declines of over 10%. Media reports are highlighting the weakening market and economic analysts are divided on the likelihood of a recession. The local housing market is also struggling with declining home values expected. However, some positive signs include an increase in housing starts in the South and Washington D.C. area home prices rising slightly. Overall, the market decline is expected to continue through 2008 before stabilizing, though monthly declines may slow, still presenting opportunities