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Average home prices are falling in 39 of the 100 largest U.S. housing markets and prices in an additional 18 metropolitan areas are expected to decline soon, according to researchers at Florida Atlantic University and Florida International University.

The September price drops from market peaks occurred mainly in the West, with the largest in San Jose, California, at 6.3 percent. Austin, Texas (5.5 percent); San Francisco (4.4 percent); Boise, Idaho (4.2 percent); and Salt Lake City, Utah (3.8 percent) round out the top five.

Meanwhile, premiums are falling in 18 metro areas, including Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, New York and Orlando. Premiums are the percentage above long-term pricing trends that buyers must pay to secure properties. A premium decline usually is a precursor to a drop in average price.