According to economist Celia Chen of dismal.com, some recent economic data may be indicating a bottom for the housing market will be reached soon: Sharp inventory growth has stopped, even though inventories of homes for sale remain high and reduced home prices, related to distress sales are making homes more affordable and stabilizing demand. Also, the sharp cutbacks in new residential construction have also slowed. Although construction activity remains weak it is expected to flatten out over the next year. However, some risks remain to the turnaround in housing: further and more severe job losses and continued credit turmoil could make it difficult to obtain a home loan.