In answer to your question, yes there are still good deals to be had, it just depends on what you consider to be a good deal. One thing to remember is that all real estate is local and in this area we have not been hit as hard as other areas of the country. Not every seller has to sell. The interest rates are still low, the $8,000 tax credit is available for 1-st time home buyers and there is a good selection of homes on the market to choose from. Question for you is have you talked to someone about getting pre-qualified? If not, that would be your first step to take, as this will give you a stronger position when you do find the house you want to make an offer on. If you are still interested in the Cleveland area, then I would like to hear from you. Once I know what you want in a home and how much you are qualified for, then it is just a matter of time to find the right property for you.. You can reach me at 423-715-2617 or denise.bivens@century21.com. My web page is DeniseBivens.com I hope to hear from you soon.

I would also add that it is a buyers market in the sense that interest rates are historically low and the $8000 tax credit is available.

Cleveland was listed in USA Today at the beginning of 2008 as one of the few markets that had seen no drop in the price of homes. East Tennessee in general is very affordable compared to some markets. We've never seen the spikes in prices (and thus we didn't have a great deal of speculation) that resulted in the quick downturn other areas have experienced. It is still a buyer's market in the sense that sellers are willing to negotiate much more than in years past. If you'd like to give me an idea of what you are looking for, I'd be happy to take a look and find something that meets your needs & your budget.

not all markets are as bad off as Florida,California,Nevada,Arizona,Maryland. i have a house price appreciation by statr from the FHFA's Purchase only house Price Index for the period ending 12/31/08. Ternnessee ranks second of all states in house appreciation. i live in Louisiana and people comehere from other states expecting bargains that are not there. We had some inflation after Katrina which caused problems for people who overpaid in the frenzy to get housing after the storm. however it was fairly mild and now prices have gont back down to pre katrina level. an agent in my office had a woman get very huffy with her recently because she wanted a 4 br 2ba house on large lot,preferably with pool for under 100K She insisted she could get that house at that price in Texas where she was coming from. Well,it doesn't exist in Louisiana.