Prices plunged 18.5% in the West region, driven by high levels of distressed sales.

由于非常低的销售量，美国西部房价下降了18.5%。

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But America's bust has brought waves of distressed sales, forcing prices down rapidly.

但美国的泡沫破裂已经引发了甩卖潮，令价格快速下跌。

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As mortgage interest rate falls, it decreases the bankruptcy risk of the borrowers and, hence, decreases distressed sales.

随着按揭利率下降，债务人破产的风险减少了，因而缓和了房产销售不景气。

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Thus, a falling percentage of distressed sales mean a lower percentage of discounted transactions.

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These would, in many cases, be distressed sales, which put downward pressure on prices given their decreased value.

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Home prices have firmed and even increased as distressed sales and opportunistic buying made up less of overall transactions.

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