It's been a rough year for buyers in the housing market. Following three straight summers of absurd price growth many believed that the crash was finally here after the Case-Shiller showed a peak in prices last June. For 7 straight months, the market flashed red, with median prices declining at a pace worse than in 2006. Many speculated this was the beginning of the end. The new crash was starting and the pain for buyers was being passed up to sellers. But just as one side of the market rejoiced the new year shocked everyone. Despite record-high interest rates, the Case-Shiller flattened out, and once again the market went back to its outrageous behavior.