Monday, March 19, 2007

Is this a good time to buy?

That is a very common question in light of all the things being reported by the news media. In listening to them a person would think that the last thing to invest in is real estate!

Here are two important items to remember in buying or selling in todays market:

1. 2006 was the third best year in real estate since records have been kept. While it wasn't as good as the previous year, compared to almost every year prior to that, it was a tremendous year. However, positive news doesn't get people's attention as negative news does. That is why, even when things are great, we most often hear about some bad issue.

2. Mortgage rates are still at a tremendously low level. It wasn't too long ago that interest rates were between 12% to 18%! They are better than half that now. The person who doesn't buyer today will likely regret it tomorrow if the interest rates rise.

Jim