Dear Swhitcher,
Now is a great time to buy, as some owners just want out. There will be some very motivated sellers over the next six months. Bear in mind that this time around you will have to put 20% down on this potential property. The mortgage industry is tightening up on what it takes to qualify these days. However if this property will be your primary residence that 20% down would not apply. Please call if I may be of further assistance.
Good luck!
Betina

Are you thinking of buying a primary home in Galveston or a second residence? We vacation in Galveston every Spring and I am always telling my Husband that this area is undervalued and we should consider buying. We already own a vacation condo in New Orleans. That area, too, is a great buy post-hurricane Katrina and Rita. Galveston is such a fun place and there is never a lack of things to do. Great bed & breakfasts, historic sites & tours, Dickens on the Strand at Christmas, unique shopping, and the seawall for daily strolls. I'd suggest you take a preview trip down and actually go through some homes with a Realtor. By the way, I'd love a follow-up response posted here on your thoughts afterward. If you need an agent down there, let me know. If you go down next Spring, I'll help you myself. I don't mind a working vacation.