wow some science from the West coast

The question deserves a scientific approach, taking into account the longest reasonabTle "holding period":" that your parents can tolerate, as well s their caapcity to endure even further possible declines in value if they wait.. Don't just look at the headlines to determine whether their home, in their location & price segmen, is truly done depreciating. I have many cleints who are heartbroken selling this year, after deciding in 2008 or 2007 to "wait fo a rebound." They discovered (after further losses in value, landlord headaches, repair crises, etc.) that they just didn't have the nerve, or capacity.

The next 12 months might suck even more value from your parents. Then they must waitto recover even more losses. If we hit bottom in 12 months, then we face 10% inflation - - - and their home goes up 20% in value - - - how mnay years will it really take to rebound in true dollars? If they lose another 10-20% over hte next 12 months, how long just to get back (again, in real dollars) to where they are today?

Look closely at the numbers, lean on a good Realtor . . .

Don't sell !!!!!!

Rent for now even is lower than current payments
in 10 to 25 years it will come back