The graphs show that since early 2009, average selling prices have been hovering at levels last seen in 2005, with some relatively sharp swings around those levels. Over the month of March average selling prices made some minor movements, but nothing that indicated a significant new trend. The sales rate is down compared to last year at the same time, though the last week in March for NK happened to be up. The downturn is not as serious as it might seem at first glance. At this time last year a first time home buyer tax credit was in effect, shifting purchases into the early part of that year. There is no such program in effect now, so the volume represents only market forces at work.