Let's look at history. What has always been a good investment. Real Estate. Who knows when things will change? No one, has the answer-speculators think they know all the answers. Ultimately, the real estate curve will move back up, There are good deals in Phoenixville, which has been revitalized quite a bit. As for Collegeville, prices have dropped some, but it is a growing community with Wyeth Labs and GSK anchoring alot of the development. I agree with one of your previous answers concerning the amount of homes in the 500+ range, but all things considered the curve always moves. Ed Carboy

Edmund,

I don't want to start a cyber arguement, but I had to respond to you post to this question. You might want to do a little more reading before declaring that we've already hit the bottom of the market. Home prices need to come back into line with rental rates, which means big cuts for sellers lie ahead.

See these two article listed below

Unfortunately, the picture isn't as rosy as you painted it.

Whether there is an overabundance of housing depends on the price range being considered. In the higher price ranges ($500,000+) there are definitely more homes on the market than buyers ready to move. 13 months worth of inventory is currently listed. How long it will last is is something everyone has a different opinion about. Various factors are at play here, among them the amount of owners able to get favorable terms on refinancing, the amount facing forclosure, the number of step-up buyers, and the number of qualified buyers for the step-up buyers homes. It really is comparable to a food chain when you think about it.

In the under $350,000 range, the current inventory is much less, only 4 months worth. The reason for this is because this category is accessable to a broader cross section of the market. As well as first step-up buyers, first time buyers populate the range. That being said, there are still opportunities for great buys in the lower price range. Price of the home alone does not define a "Good Deal". Personal preferences such as neighborhood type, style of home and decor all serve the value proposition of a home. Even when the market is saturated, well maintained homes priced correctly will sell relatively quickly. Not in one week anymore, but still relatively quick.

The market condition is normal and neutral (buyers=sellers). Days on market is not an accurate reflection of the state of this market. It all comes down to the amenities offered by the property and the condition. Take advantage of the market today because the market has already bottomed and the chance of "getting a deal" will not be available next year.