The U.S. housing market has endured many dark days in the past few years. The first quarter of 2011 saw a precipitous decline in home values. Since then, the number of homeowners reportedly "under water"—owing more on a mortgage than the dwelling is worth—has continued to climb.

Exacerbating real estate woes are rampant foreclosures, high unemployment rates, and mounting consumer debt, making the likelihood of home values stabilizing by the end of this year unlikely.

To address this reality, Home Value Insurance Co. is offering a new type of homeowners' coverage, one intended to safeguard families against a decline in property value. The San Francisco, Calif.-based business announced this week that Ohioans will be the first parties eligible for such a policy. For several years, various financial companies have provided similar coverage for which a homeowner would pay a one-time fee.

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