What is often a consequence of a market correction following a real estate bubble?

A market correction following a real estate bubble typically results in a reduction in property values. During a bubble, property prices are often inflated due to speculation, excessive demand, and easy access to credit. When the bubble bursts, these factors subsist, leading to a sharp decline in property prices as the market adjusts to more realistic valuation levels. This correction often manifests as homeowners find themselves underwater, meaning they owe more on their mortgages than their properties are worth, which can lead to increased foreclosures and a further decrease in property values.

In such a scenario, the overall market seeks to stabilize, which can result in distressed properties being sold at lower prices, dragging down the values of comparable homes in the area. As buyers and investors become more cautious, demand decreases, further contributing to the downward pressure on prices. Thus, the reduction in property values is a typical and expected outcome of a market correction after an inflated real estate bubble.