Worst real estate markets

Historically, real estate has been one of the best investments you could make. Home ownership not only ensured a comfortable place to live, but the equity built over time served as a buffer against education and retirement costs.

These days, not everyone is living the American dream. In many markets, plummeting prices have left home owners owing more than their property is actually worth.

Which are the most “underwater” markets?

According to real estate web site Zillow.com, these are the worst, with numbers reflecting the percentage of homes with negative equity:

Las Vegas, Nev: 67.2

Stockton, Calif.: 51.1

Modesto, Calif.: 50.8

Reno, Nev.: 48.5

Vallejo-Fairfield, Calif.: 46.5

Merced, Calif.: 44.4

Port St. Lucie, Fla.: 43.5

Riverside, Calif.: 42.8

Phoenix, Ariz.: 41.7

Orlando, Fla.: 41.7

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