People looking to buy real estate, that new home or condo are about to enter the zone – that time home buyers dream of, the sweet spot of buying.

Beleaguered homesellers, having suffered through the continuing housing price slump of 2007 are begining to reset their home prices. Every Realtor we have talked to has been singing the same Price Tune to their clients and the clients are beginning to hum along.

We are starting to see inventory return to the local real estate markets after the holiday slowdown and the seasonal end-of-year pattern of withdrawal. Many of the homes have seen some additional paint, landscaping or other sprucing up. But, the main thing is the price is coming down as sellers hope to catch the active Spring sales cycle.

The time is right for the serious buyer to enter the market. Buyers should give serious consideration to getting pre-approved NOT pre-qualified. Pre-approved means the underwriter has looked you over and is willing to underwrite your loan. This is one of the best moves a buyer can make to strengthen their negotiating position.

NEW HOME BUYERS – If you are considering the purchase of new construction STOP and consider this very carefully – use a professional Realtor. Many buyers think they will get a better deal, without using a Realtor, but more often than not it is just the opposite.

Find a Realtor that has experience in new home sales like our Tracey Harper who worked for 8 years with one of the major builders in the East Bay. Tracey was the sales manager for several large developments and she and other agents with similar backgrounds will tell you they can probably save you even more than the best deal you can make on your own.

Buyers do not have to worry about the agent commission because it is paid by the builder. Some buyers think the builder will pass that savings on to them. Ask any real estate agent – builders are calling us day and night to let us know they are lowering prices and raising what they are willing to pay us to bring them buyers.

Buyers looking for the best choice and the best price need to get in the game now.

There remains some misunderstanding about the current market. Some have been comparing it to the down market of the early 90’s, but that market was driven by a down economy not insane lending practices. Don’t bank on a big downturn in the local economy, the East Bay is one of the most dynamic and healthy economies in the nation at present.

Now is the time to buy.