The real estate market was due for a correction.
Here in southeastern Wisconsin, things have tightened up but property values continue to rise, albiet slower than previous years.
there has also been a large amount of foreign investment coming in. the extraordinarily low interest rates coupled with the weak dollar(higher conversion for their currency) lead to an international interest in our housing here. things are cooling off now. most of the victims will be American unfortunately
Maybe the illegalsworking in the construction trade will decide to go home.
It will probably fall back some now and then find a stable point and in a few years accelerate again (provided a Republican is elected in '08).