EL PASO, Texas -- Experts joke El Paso may be the last real estate market still standing as a result of the troubled economy.

They want homebuyers to know they're still OK.

"There are homes available, there's loans to be had, interest rates are great," said Dan Olivas with the Greater Association of Realtors.

Olivas credits the expansion of Fort Bliss, the new medical school and revitalization of downtown with keeping El Paso stable. Homeowners KFOX spoke with have mixed reaction.

"Housing will definitely suffer because the banks closing especially, loans are going to be harder to get, they cut the interest rates in half already and people are still holding onto their money," said east El Paso resident Michael Navarro.

"I think overall our market's going to grow because we can't help but do that with 26,000 soldiers coming in," said Danelle Ivey.

Olivas said there's no need for concern since prospective homebuyers in El Paso still have an ample shot at owning a piece of the American dream.

"There is no doubt that we will continue to see some progress, even though it may be slight because of what's happening in other parts of the country," said Olivas.

According to the National Association of Realtors, home prices across the country have fallen 11 percent in 2008 compared with 2007.

This is the third straight year of decline.