These graphs are interesting – but remember these arguments were around on the way up as well.
As with other markets – it is all about sentiment of borrowers and the supply of cheap and easy money.

Calculated Risk

Our economy and our markets will not recover until the bulk of this housing correction is behind us.”
Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson, Sept 7, 2008

So when will the “bulk of this housing correction” be behind us? Right now prices are still too high.

Here are a few ways to look at house prices: real prices (inflation adjusted), price-to-rent ratio, and price-to-income ratio.

The first graph compares real and nominal Case-Shiller Home Prices through Q2 2008 (real is current index adjusted using CPI less Shelter).