by Calculated Risk on 8/18/2007 12:50:00 AM

WaPo: Fannie Mae Predicts Price Decline Will Accelerate in '08

Fannie Mae, the mortgage finance giant, yesterday predicted that housing prices will decline by 2 percent on average this year and by 4 percent next year as mortgage delinquencies rise, lenders tighten borrowing standards and the volume of unsold homes approaches record levels.

"This is clearly a market poised for more severe overall credit losses," Enrico Dallavecchia, Fannie Mae's chief risk officer, said in a conference call with investment analysts.

Adding to the trouble, Dallavecchia said, is that many borrowers with adjustable-rate mortgages are facing rising monthly payments, which could drive them into foreclosure. "This could have a cascading effect in the market," he said.

A 2% price decline nationwide - as measured by OFHEO - sounds about right for 2007. I also expect the pace of price declines to increase next year.