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Housing prices stable but maintain low

Dec 11, 2011 Todd Milner

Although the fiscal collapse of 2007 and 2008 left the housing market in dire straits, the prices have steadily climbed - but in order for a complete recovery, Forbes reports that a fortified economy will be the only solution. Because of the deterioration of new house sales, Americans have relied on rentals more often, yet due to the unfortunate circumstance of the economy and a 9-percent unemployment rate, some citizens are seeking short-term financing solutions to help with their monthly bills. In cities such as Boston, New York and Los Angeles - the most expensive cities to live in of the 48 contiguous states - short term loans can be especially convenient. Based on the Case-Shiller Home Price Index, current prices are around the 1991-1992 levels and perhaps balancing out following its record low in 2009. "The plunging collapse of prices seen in 2007-2009 seems to be behind us," David M. Blitzer, chairman of the Index Committee at S&P Indices, said to the news source. "Any chance for a sustained recovery will probably need a stronger economy."