A line graph showing foreclosures started as a percentage of existing loans and percent changes in annual home prices (plotted on a reverse scale) for 1979 through 2000 for New England. The chart shows a strong correlation between declining home prices and rising foreclosure rates. The foreclosure rate was at 0.10 percent in 1979 and rose very sharply, to 0.45 percent in 1990. It then declined, falling below 0.20 percent by 2000. The change in annual home prices was 15 percent in 1979, accelerating sharply to average between 18 and 22 percent between 1984 and 1987. It then decelerated sharply, turning negative in 1990-1994 period, with 4 to 5 percent declines in 1990 and 1991. Home prices have been rising at an accelerating rate since 1995, reaching 13.5 percent in 2000.