Many Las Cruces builders said they'll have to build less, and may have to think twice how they spend family money.

“I think they're going to slow down and let everything catch up. Builders aren't building as much so it will all catch up and be fine,” said Sean Vick, builder with From the Ground Up Design.

He hopes to move his homes off the market quicker.

“It's tough we have three houses on the ground right now for sale," said Vick.

“Now I can't afford any more lots and it's a struggle to make interest payments every month," said Michael Clifford with Team Builders.

Both blame higher fuel costs, which have also caused material costs to increase, leaving little room for profit.

But there's a ray of hope.

The Las Cruces Home Builders Association's spring showcase of homes debuted this weekend inviting potential buyers.

“We come from California so it’s a very different kind of real estate market. The prices here you can buy three homes for what you have to pay for one out there,” said Dorothy Overhiser a new Las Cruces resident.

The Overhisers said that their four-bedroom, four-bathroom California condo, overlooking the ocean, was on the market for more than six months, but selling looks more promising in Las Cruces.

”I think the market is bottoming out. This market right here wasn't really strong to begin with. It just had good steady growth that when it backed off it didn't back off too far," said Charles Overhiser.

Builders said they welcome anything that can help the market turn.

“It's an opportunity to stimulate the economy. Somebody can get bargain prices on real nice homes,” said Clifford.

The spring showcase of homes continues May 2, 3 and 4.