The most reliable index of comparable house prices has continued to decline month after month, and prices are now about 7% lower in real terms than a year ago, implying a $1 trillion loss of household wealth. With roughly 25% of all homeowners with mortgages owing more than their homes are worth, the decline in house prices reflects high rates of default and foreclosure.
此外，房地产市场疲软依旧。最可靠的可比房价指数一月低过一月，真实价格较一年前下跌了7%，这意味着家庭财富蒸发了1万亿美元。大约25%的屋主背负着超过住房价值的按揭，因此房价的下跌意味着违约和收房率的高企。下跌的价格和收紧的贷款标准一起，将潜在购房者驱赶到了租房市场中，导致最近新屋和旧屋销量双双下降。