Eddie,

There are areas of the country where properties values are appreciating. Since the real estate market is regional in nature, it is difficult to predict the duration of this correction.

Regardless, there is no question that this is a time to consider buying. Targeting the right home, in the right location, at the right price is Florida should bring benefits.

Good luck,
The "Eckler Team"

Eddie,
In Florida it is clearly a buyers market...and this will continue for quite a while. I just finished 16 hours of research for a UK client who is looking to purchase on Naples. He is spending under 400K and we had over 1,600 properties to go through. We created a short list of 60 and will work this down to 10-20.
One thing we are beginning to see though is that the best inventory is beginning to get thin. What we are seeing how are a lot of the "similar" properties...they all look the same. The good inventory is moving.
If you are looking, we would love to help you. We have over 12 experience as a Buyers Agent and we know the Fl market very well.
The Schaffer Realty Group
Marian Schaffer
email my office manager at terry@marianschaffer.com

A smart buyer buys in a buyers market and we are in a strong buyers market. Many will say yes but prices will come down more and that may be true, but many of those people who wait for the bottom will be buying long after the bottom is hit, and instead buy on the way up, as they are always afraid that the market will continue down.

My recommendation is spend the time to find the home you want to live in then buy it, as long as you are looking to live there for a few years.

Those that try to time the real estate or stock market are usually those that wait to long to get into the market and way too long to get out. They buy in a sellers market and sell in a buyers market. You have the right idea.

Jeff Launiere, P.A., e-PRO, TRC
Keller Williams Realty
Tampa, FL
813-469-3163
Info@SweetHomeTampa.com
http://www.SweetHomeTampa.com

It is a great time to buy, since the interest rate is is still relatively low, and prices are down. Be careful of the area you choose, because some areas are stil declining. In a perfect scenario, you would purchase at the point just before real estate prices begin to rise again, and if we all had a crystal ball, we would all be very very wealthy! However, careful shopping and working with a knowledgeable real estate agent can be very helpful, and don't pay much attention to the mass media, because they make blanket statements that one size fits all, and it couldn't be further from the truth. You would want to be located in an area that shows less volatility in the price ranges--and choose an area located in proximity to where there are jobs to support the economy and not just an investor driven real estate market. I hope this helps you with some generic information. Especially if you haven't bought before, you will really want to talk to a couple of realtors and ask people for referrals, too, as we are a "referral" driven business!! Best luck, and happy house hunting!!!

What you heard is true! The market is lower than it was 3-5 years ago- prices are almost half of what they once were. It is a great time to buy- IF you buy the right property at the right price. I think that prices have already reached the bottom- in better buildings and neighborhoods.

Some over saturated, investor heavy neighborhoods and buildings may still be in the declining mode. Now is a very good time to make a good decision!

There are reports on both sides of the table...some that say we're at the bottom, and some that say that the bottom hasn't hit yet. No one knows for sure. As real estate agents, we've seen a slight up-turn in the St. Augustine area since about May. Some days there are even more closed or pending properties than new listings (which means a slight decrease in inventory).

The inventory is still relatively high, interest rates are low, and prices are some of the best we've seen in years...so overall it's a great time to look for a deal and act on it!

The "Live In St Augustine" TEAM
Jaime Cacchio & Erin Lewis

Yep, not a bad time depending on your circumstances. The duration again depends on exact situation and location. Some markets are starting to pick up now and interest rates are climbing so in some markets the window is closing but other areas are still near the peak and have a long way to fall. In Florida, seems to be a good time now and you'll probably be okay if you wait 12 mos but no one knows for sure.