Home prices plunged at their sharpest annual rate in the past 20 months, according to August's S&P/Case-Shiller home price index report. The monthly report showed a record 16.6 percent drop, the largest decline since 2000. Take a look at which cities fell the hardest, and which two cities bucked the trend.

During the current financial crisis, it seems that the entire US is suffering. However, there are several places that are better prepared to deal with a down economy than others. Keene, N.H., for example, has low unemployment and small mortgage debt. And they are only No. 3 on the list. AOL Real Estate, ranks the top 5.

If you are looking for the vacation house of your dreams, the market is flooded with properties in some of the hottest locations for second homes. Buyers have been snapping up homes in Miami, Vegas and up and down the California coast. AOL Real Estate has a look at some available sites.

Despite the current housing crisis, you can still buy a house for only $37,900. AOL Real Estate has found other cheap homes across the country, and there could be one near you. See if your dream home is out there.

Whether you want a room that is energetic, relaxing or anything in between -- you can achieve that look on the cheap with decor. To help fuel your creativity, AOL Real Estate has 50 easy design ideas that you can do for less than $50.

Even in down markets and iffy economic times, people are still buying and selling homes. Whether you're relocating or up-sizing or downsizing, you may be in an area where asking prices are a lot less than the value. This home, for example, is listed $140K below its assessed value. AOL Real Estate features homes across the country on the market right now.

An unfortunate combination of high unemployment and a struggling economy have combined to make the Midwest city pictured here one of America's most stressful places to live. AOL Real Estate has a gallery of US towns where expensive housing, high unemployment and more make life especially stressful.

Each week, Luxist rounds up the latest celebrity real estate news. AOL Real Estate has a gallery of some of the latest purchases and sales from some notable names, including Britney Spears, Billy Baldwin and a home (pictured here) involved in a nasty divorce.

If you are looking for bargain home prices, head to the Midwest. This 4-bedroom home in Ohio is just $43,900. If that's too high, there's one in Illinois for $35,900. You can find similar deals in Michigan, Missouri and Indiana. Get the details from AOL Real Estate.

As part of Forbes' list of the richest people in the world, they looked at where the wealthiest -- including Bill Gates and Warren Buffett call home. One billionaire's sprawling compound has a guest house for his mother. Another mogul still lives in a home he bought for $31,500. AOL Real Estate, highlights some of the residences.