CLEVELAND -- The housing market is experience a slump. In the greater Cleveland area, prices are down 3.5 percent.

But consumer specialist Angie Lau crunched the numbers from the Northeast Ohio Regional Multiple Listings Service and found the hottest ZIP codes that could thaw the real estate freeze.

For many sellers, trying to sell a home can be a potential nightmare. But Howard "Hoby" Hanna IV, of Howard Hanna Realty, said the forecast is still good if you know where to look.

"Interest rates are below 7 percent. There's still historically the lowest of all time, so if you're looking to buy housing, affordability becomes a tremendous factor," said Hanna.

For homes worth up to $200,000, 44035 is a hot ZIP code. That's Elyria, at the No. 3 spot with 175 homes sold in the last quarter of 2006.

Howard Hanna's Tammy Koleski said homeowners love Elyria's low property taxes.

"They come here and it's a drop in the bucket. They come here for a 2,000-square-foot house and pay $2,400, versus $6,000 to $7,000," Koleski said.

Elyria is 30 minutes from Cleveland and new shopping areas and affordability play a big part, too.

"It's very easy to be a first-time homebuyer. Our median price is $720 -- very affordable, cheap as rent," said Koleski.

Painesville is in the No. 2 spot with 192 homes sold, and homeowners are getting almost 97 percent of what they wanted.

No. 1 is Mentor, ZIP code 44060, with 216 homes sold.

Zip over to 44012, Avon Lake, for homes in the $200,000 to $400,000 range. There were 114 homes sold in Avon Lake, with homeowners getting 96 percent of their asking price.

In Westlake, ZIP code 44145, 123 homes were sold and homeowners got 95 percent of the asking price.

But Medina blows away the closest competition with more than twice the number of homes sold at 269.

For home in the $400,000-plus column, Realtor Laurel Heater said Chagrin Falls is always in one of the top spots.

"There's a much smaller number of houses in 44022, and if you have a home like this, it will likely sell very quickly," Heater said.

Many flock to Chagrin Falls, taking in scenic surroundings and great shopping. It's what drew Sue-Anne Norrick there nine years ago, and when it came time to sell, Norrick said it was sold in three days.

The hottest ZIPs in the category are 44040 (Gates Mills) at No. 3, followed by Chagrin Falls, and the hottest ZIP is 44139, the city of Solon.

"I think it's going to be a good year. I think there's a lot of inventory out there so it's a great time to buy there's great opportunity and choice there," said Hanna.

If you're looking for a deal, experts say find the lowest prices homes in the neighborhood you like, and stay awhile: Now is not the time to try to make money by flipping a home, but realtors say your money will be safe if it's a long-term investment.

Top ZIP Codes In Housing Market

Numbers from Northeast Ohio Regional Multiple Listings Service, 4th quarter 2006

$0-$200,000

1. 44060 Mentor - 216 homes sold (96.2% of asking price)
2. 44077 Painesville - 192 homes sold (96.8% of asking price)
3. 44035 Elyria - 175 homes sold (97% of asking price)

$200,000-$400,000

1. 44256 Medina - 269 homes sold (98.2% of asking price)
2. 44145 Westlake - 123 homes sold (95.1% of asking price)
3. 44012 Avon Lake - 114 homes sold (96.4% of asking price)

$400,000 +

1. 44139 Solon - 80 homes sold (96.6% of asking price)
2. 44022 Chagrin Falls - 47 homes sold (90% of asking price)
3. 44040 Gates Mills - 8 homes sold (84.8% of asking price)