Smart Money Magazine said Albuquerque's housing market appears to be in the best position to make a comeback. Researchers at the magazine said the nationwide rate of decline in sales is slowing and that the government takeover of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae could boost the housing market by making borrowing easier for buyers. That's helping homeowners nationwide.

In Albuquerque, home inventories have leveled off and the number of homes on the market has remained level. Experts caution not to expect a rapid rebound. It could still take years for the housing industry to recover entirely. In Albuquerque, however, Smart Money Magazine seems to think we are ready to start seeing an increase in sales prices than a decrease.

Other cities that had high rankings in the magazine are Birmingham, Al., Buffalo, N.Y., and Charlotte, N.C.