House values rose considerably in the US in the decade prior to 2007 - then the housing market burst, coupled by a financial downturn in 2008 through to 2009. As a result, housing values fell considerably throughout the country (the lowest point in house sales occurring between January 2009 and April 2009). Foreclosure rates soared while new house builds came to a screeching halt. However, the United States housing market is beginning to show signs of recovery (2010), property values have increased as more investors and would-be homeowners start purchasing again.