What are real estate professionals saying to homebuyers and sellers about current market conditions? The successful brokers and sales associates are talking about the strengths that exist in the market — not the negative media hype. Below are positive angles that appeared recently in the media and underscore why it is a good time to buy real estate.

Recent Quotes & Excerpts about the Positive Signs in the Real Estate Market:

Financial Analyst Cites Positive Signs in the Housing Market According to Richard Bove of Ladenburg Thalmann, one of the country's veteran financial analysts, there is a positive dynamic taking shape in the current cycle:

· Bove said he expects “housing prices to stabilize and/or rise (in 2009) after a likely boom in mortgage refinancings as rates fall and loan applications increase.”

· Add in the expected massive economic stimulus package being put together on Capitol Hill with the incoming Obama administration – and there's a good chance we're going to see a gradual transformation of the downward cycle into a slow rebound over the coming several quarters.

· Mortgage rates continue to hover at 50-year lows – 5% and even 4 .75 % for 30-year mortgages, and still lower for 15- and 20-year mortgage terms.

· There are signs that housing prices are stabilizing in some parts of the country. The latest monthly Federal Housing Finance Agency index found home prices up by 0.6% in the Mountain states and by 0.2% in New England.

· We're all paying a lot less at the gas pump, and sharply discounted prices for retail goods and autos.

· Americans are actually saving again, the national savings rate took a nearly 3% jump last month. That might sound small, but it's hugely important if it is the start of a trend.

Keep your eyes open for the small positive signs that are accumulating out there … because all down cycles tail off and come to an end. -- “Real Estate Outlook: What's in Store for 2009?,” by Kenneth Harney, Realty Times, Jan. 6, 2009.

Regional Update: Good News from Markets around the Nation San Antonio , Texas Existing home sales should improve in 2009, based on home sale increases during the last month, according to presenters and attendees at the San Antonio Board of Realtors Annual Housing Forecast. “There are people coming out of the woodwork buying housing. We are expecting to exceed our (sales) predictions by 35 percent. I've had to add some contract people to handle the business.” -- Bob Gardner, CEO of a local mortgage company, “S.A. Housing Market Expected to Improve,” by Aïssatou Sidimé, San Antonio Express News, Jan. 7, 2009. Seattle , Wash. House prices showed some buoyancy in Seattle and King County last month, according to the Northwest Multiple Listing Service. The median price for a Seattle house that sold in December was up just over 5% from November and down nearly 4% from December 2007. The price was the highest since July, and the year-to-year drop was the smallest since May -- “Housing Prices Rose Despite Holidays, Snow,” by Aubrey Cohen, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Jan. 7, 2009. South Bend , Ind. (Agent) Patty Miller says 2009 could be a good year, based on how things have gone so far. “In the last few months, it's really starting to pick up. Our office, itself, has already had five sales just in the last week. Our phones are ringing off the hook and the listings we currently have are getting more showings.” “For first-time buyers it's great right now, there's never been anything better. They have more choices than ever and they can get more house than they could before.” -- Tara Lochmandy, a local agent, “Realtors see Positive 2009,” FOX 28.com, Jan. 6, 2009. Santa Clara County , Calif. Home sales in Santa Clara County were up 14% in November from the same month a year before. Real estate and mortgage professionals say most buyers now in Santa Clara County are first-timers drawn to the market by lower home prices and falling interest rates. Investors and first-time buyers alike seek bargains on homes repossessed by banks. “Literally everything is going for over the price that it's listed. Everyone's scrambling right now for a house under $400,000. It's the hottest market.” -- Jackie Buttice, a potential home buyer, “Home Sales are Up but Prices are Falling; Who's Buying Houses?,” by Sue McAllister, San Jose Mercury News, Jan. 5, 2009. New Jersey For all the consternation by New Jersey home sellers about the sorry state of the housing industry, there are plenty of savvy first-time buyers who know a good value when they see one. “The next 12 months continue to be the best time to make a home purchase in a long time.” -- Jeffrey Otteau, president of a market research and appraisal firm, “N.J. Housing Market Slide Provides Opportunity for First-Time Buyers,” by Joseph R. Perone, Star-Ledger, Jan. 3, 2009.
 
If you or someone you know is looking to buy or sell a home in Frisco, Plano, McKinney or any of the communities in Collin and Dallas County, then contact Realtor David Raisey at www.RaiseyRealEstate.com