It is a good time to buy in Junction City. Most sellers will take less than what they are asking, unless it is the duplexes out on 77--most of those run about the same price in a given neighborhood. Get a buyer's agent (there is no fee); they can be your intermediary and help with issues you might not know, like neighborhood/school issues, hidden issues with the house, etc.

I am a Realtor, so almost always see a purchase as the route to go. My mind thinks in terms of investments. Fort Riley is situated close to both Junction City and Manhattan. With Fort Riley and Kansas State University...as well as the recent announcement from Homeland Security to locate a national center in Manhattan I believe a home purchase in or near the Manhattan area would be a great investment. If, in two years, it's time to move your potential of earning a profit on your home is good. If the market isn't quite ready in those two years you would be in an attractive position to have your own rental until it is a good time to sell. Nice family homes are hard to come by as rentals around here so that may be difficult for you to find (and in the future opportunity to rent it out if necessary).

At any rate, if you need more information I would enjoy the opportunity to discuss further with you. I service both Junction City and Manhattan areas and would be happy to provide information to you regarding schools in the area and any other items that could be of interest.

Thanks, Katie Wolf (ERA The Conderman Group)