We're into the season now when experts of all stripes reach deep down and make predictions about what's coming next year. What do mortgage brokers think? Here's what they're telling their trade group, the California Association of Mortgage Brokers.

• The best time to buy? The majority of brokers, 31 percent, say it will be April to June. Twenty-eight percent say January to March. Another 21 percent say October to December.

• Will houses get more affordable? You bet, say 48 percent.

• Will the housing slump bring a 2008 recession? Yes, it will, say 47 percent of brokers.

• Will it be hard to get loans? Nearly 60 percent say it will be harder than this year. People with less-than-perfect credit will find it especially hard. But 41 percent believe even qualified borrowers will have a harder time next year getting home loans.

Trend watchers, too, are peering into crystal balls and telling us what we can expect at home in 2008.

Here are five home trends for next year from Ann Mack, director of trend spotting at advertising giant J. Walter Thompson in New York City:

• Prius homes: More homeowners will respond to rising energy prices by going green to save money. Mack says home design companies are getting better at providing green options that don't sacrifice style or cost an arm and a leg.

• Backyard style: Homeowners will take their love of interior decorating into the backyard. Mack says to watch for swimming pools to turn into tropical oases, and outdoor kitchens that rival the one inside. She also thinks more people will be growing food in the backyard to save money.

• Techno-furniture: Houses are filling up with cables and wire to serve growing numbers of communications and entertainment devices. Watch for new kinds of storage space to hide them, even furniture with built-in power strips.

• Too much stuff: No one has enough time any more to deal with all their family clutter, Mack says. Watch for more professionals taking over home management next year and reordering chaotic environments.

• Boomerizing houses: Boomers are aging, and they're going to start modifying their homes. Mack says renovations will range from stair lifts to replacing traditional round door knobs with levered handles to make it easier for arthritic hands.

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