No body knows, but looking at geography gives a good idea of what future house prices will be. Is there a limit on land (surrounded by mountains, water, or similar)? If so, then house prices will go up, and new property will have to be built up instead of out. Both Seattle and the SF/Bay Area are like this.
Now, if you expect an economic down turn, there might be less people working and people who can't afford their mortgage, but imho that's not going to dent house prices in areas like these much, unless the downturn is for something like a decade. However, cities with sprawl or are effected heavily due to downturn will have a more variable price. A notable example is Las Vegas, where the majority of the industry is funded through tourism.
Now, if you expect an economic down turn, there might be less people working and people who can't afford their mortgage, but imho that's not going to dent house prices in areas like these much, unless the downturn is for something like a decade. However, cities with sprawl or are effected heavily due to downturn will have a more variable price. A notable example is Las Vegas, where the majority of the industry is funded through tourism.