Potential buyers are worried about their jobs, their declining investments and falling home prices.

The National Association of Realtors estimates that there are about 25 percent fewer people shopping for homes right now.

But a local builder is hoping some buyers are still thinking big.

From its location overlooking the Trinity River, to its prices starting at $750,000, the Villa de Leon condo project is clearly high end.

But it's holding its gala opening on a week when Wall Street is making fortunes shrink.

Developer Tom Struhs can't help but worry.

"It's true that the high end is only affected by confidence in the economy and how could you say that there is confidence in the economy?" he said.

Still, he manages to smile while driving his limousine golf cart through the neighborhood he helped develop.

He started his business just before the savings and loan crisis triggered a huge real estate bust in the 80s, giving this week a familiar feel.

"I like to say I got my masters in finance in my divorce of 82, my doctorate of real estate in the survival of 86," he said.

Still, he's confident enough to keep investing $30 million in this project, hoping to find 23 people who can afford it, and share his optimism.

People like insurance company owner Ralph Simpson.

"A recession I believe is a state of mind," he said.

Congresswoman Kay Granger, who was mayor here during that last bust, worries about this one.

"It's gonna be a rough time, not a quick up and down," she said.

The truth, she says, is things will get better. It's just hard to say when.

E-mail greaves@wfaa.com.