The housing market has slowed dramatically according to a new report from the National Association of Realtors. The median home price increased to $231,000 from a revised $229,000 in May, the smallest year-over-year price gain since May 1995.

There's a rush to snap up undeveloped land everything from New England creek-front parcels to big-sky vistas in Montana. Some people are buying dream lots now, with plans to one day build a vacation or retirement home.

A housing slowdown is forcing people to confront inflated appraisal values that went unquestioned during the boom. For sellers, that may mean dropping asking prices. For homeowners hoping to refinance, it may mean lacking equity to lock in new loan terms.

While homeowners can't slash the price of services charged by local providers, there are plenty of Web sites to help figure out how much power a residence is consuming or wasting -- if you dare.

These locations will no doubt continue to attract new residents, even as the housing market softens along the coasts -- especially as more baby boomers reach retirement age.