Tampa, FL - With all the talk about the weak real estate market, one important message seems to get lost, especially in the news media.

The real estate market is not global.  It is made up of thousands of local markets and not all behave the similarly all the time - in up and down market environments - even within a very defined area.

For example, South Tampa has always been considered a market area.  During the recent real estate downturn it has behaved differently than other market areas within the larger Tampa market, such as the Wesley Chapel and Riverview areas.  Both of these have suffered many more foreclosures and downward pricing pressure than has South Tampa.  And, differences exist even within the South Tampa area.  Prices on Davis Islands have not dropped as far or as fast as, say, some of the areas south of Gandy Blvd.

So, if you're a buyer, depending upon where you'd like to buy, don't automatically assume that a seller's unwillingness to meet your price demands means that the asking price of that property is too high.  Usually, there are good reasons for one area to maintain price integrity while others cannot.  And, when the overall market turns upward, the areas that haven't dropped as far and as fast usually increase in value first, and fastest.

To optimize your buying (or selling) opportunity, think long term and try to understand the factors that cause an area to be desirable, or undesirable.  If you take this approach, you'll likely make a better overall investment and be happier with your choice.

For more information on the South Tampa, FL real estate market, you can visit our web site: www.PrettyDogRealty.com.