When it comes to foreclosures, Central Texas continues to defy the national trend with a drop in the number of posted properties.

The first Tuesday of the month finds a beehive of activity at county courthouses. Property lots are sold due to delinquent taxes and banks, too, are trying to unload homes reclaimed through foreclosure.

"Primarily single family homes, condominiums, and condominium conversions. Generally speaking under $200,000 are being hit the hardest," said Peter Sajovich, local real estate expert.

Sajovich says many of the foreclosed properties are in outlying areas and were purchased by out-of-state investors.

Still, despite the frenzy of activity, it doesn't compare with foreclosure trends elsewhere.

"Our foreclosure trends are bucking the national trends. Our foreclosures are actually down. At our peak, after the tech bust, we were over 400 postings every month. This month we only had 280 postings," said Sajovich.

Nationwide, thousands of homeowners are facing eviction and foreclosure. The rising interest rates on adjustable mortgages, the collapse of sub-prime mortgages and the current credit crunch are blamed.

Yet experts say Austin is faring better for several reasons: the housing market and home values weren't overinflated as they were elsewhere.

"We're very affordable and Austin is creating jobs and most of all it's a wonderful place to live," Sajovich said.

As long as those conditions are unchanged, it's projected the local real estate market will continue to do well beyond the first of the year.

One housing sector with an uncertain future is downtown Austin.

With so many condos being built, experts say it's unknown if the market will be oversaturated until the projects are finished and ready for move-in.