Official government site concerning housing prices, appreciation and depriciation in the USA.

Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight

Before you buy anywhere, study the market carefully.

Keep in mind that you make money when you buy low and sell high. Low is right now in the USA. Prices are low, interest rates are low, and the exchange rates are very much in favor of the foreign investor.

Also keep in mind that real estate is very local and varies not only from town to town, but from neighborhood to neighborhood in the same town. So state wide figures are just a broad overview and not specific.

For example, California shows a large loss, but the figures for the entire state are being pulled down by the San Juaquin Valley. Investors bought there because houses were cheap, without stopping to think WHY houses were cheap. It was not a good place to invest, and those who put money there are paying the price. It's still not a good place to invest, and even with the huge price drop, you won't see me putting any of my money there.

Some areas of California have gone down very little, and some towns are still appreciating.

This is the time to buy and hold. Price hunt. Bargain, Make low offers. Consider foreclosures and short sales.

However, do not buy just because an area is cheap. The best long term investments are where there are good paying jobs, good weather, and the area is an attractive place to live.

Those areas are not cheap, but bargains can still be had right now. When you are doing buy and hold, you want a good price, but price is not the only consideration. You want to look for solid value first, and then bargain to get the best price you can get.

I'm not an agent, and I don't have anyhting for sale. Therefore, I don't have any ulterior motives.

I agree - it is a buyers' market right now in Orlando Florida, also the place is still attracting vacationers; we are staying in a short-term rental home there right now and the resort is packed out...