Housing outlook for '10

We're heading into the year-ahead forecast season, which in this economy is likely to see lots of conflicting opinions. A real estate valuation firm called Veros is out with its latest numbers that show L.A. home prices increasing a measly 2 percent over the next 12 months. As a benchmark, they're using single-family mid-price properties. And what communities will see the biggest percentage increases?

1. Beaumont /Port Arthur, TX +5%
2. Boulder, CO +5%
3. Amarillo, TX +5%
4. San Diego +4%
5. Charleston, WV +4%

Here are the weakest areas:

1. Reno, NV -12%
2. Las Vegas, -11%
3. Palm Bay / Melbourne / Titusville, FL -10%
4. Port St. Lucie / Fort Pierce, FL -9%
5. Miami / Ft. Lauderdale / Miami Beach, FL -9%

There's lots of educated guesswork in these forecasts. Much will depend on the foreclosure situation, and whether Congress extends that $8,000 tax credit for first-time homeowners.