Walk through some of the region's newest neighborhoods and you'll discover hundreds upon hundreds of houses lying empty. Their owners, victims of foreclosure, have long since moved on. While only some of those are currently on the market, you'll find it next to impossible to come upon a foreclosed home for sale in Sacramento's central city. That's because there's currently only one. The desirability of living in the grid and of its housing stock have kept prices fairly stable and made the area nearly immune to the foreclosure crisis, unlike outlying areas of the city and fast-growing suburbs like Natomas and Elk Grove, according to local real estate agents. "Downtown has held its value,

Special to Sacramento Press By Dena Kouremetis It may seem like an anomaly, but it really comes as no surprise to REO expert and Re/Max agent Ray Ponce.  Housing in Sacramento’s ‘grid’ – surrounded by freeways in all directions, has simply not become a casualty of foreclosure crisis. “It’s just a matter of supply and demand,” says Ponce. “There has always been, and will continue to be a demand for housing in this area.  Most of the homes in this area were built during the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s during a period of time when quality of craftsmanship and individual style were important for homeowners.  These homes are built well and possess charm and character that today’s modern homes simply