Pat Bittner

Whether you buy or not is a very personal decision and you are smart to investigate the market before you buy. Every market is different, and we have not experienced the high fluctuations here compared to other areas.
No one has a crystal ball to tell them what the market is going to do. It is considered a buyer's market because of the lower prices, but will they go lower? They might. It's like going shopping and finding something on sale-its priced much lower than it was last year, but should you wait and buy it next year? Will it still be available? Will it be higher?
Basically, you can get a nice home right now at a good price. If you live in the home for several years, chances are high that your value will increase. If you plan to stay only a couple years, you will probably not make any money. Real estate is a long term investment, we just got a little spoiled the last few years when homeowners made significant profit in a short amount of time.
Real estate has historically been a good investment and you have a good opportunity to make some money. How much money will you make paying rent?
What I am not seeing here is the personal aspect of buying a home. The pride of owning your own home, having a back yard for your children or pets, sitting outside with your neighbors-who sometimes become life long friends.
Some things are worth taking a chance. - Sat Apr 26 2008, 06:21

I am a Realtor in Omaha, NE. You have a date that your contract expires, but it sounds like you either want to remove your home from the market or change Realtors. Communicate with your Realtor and explain your situation, if you have decided not to sell your agent may agree to let you out of the contract. They may requre that you pay any of the costs they have incurred so far. If you are unhappy with the agent, meet with them to discuss what changes you would like to see. Your home must be in the best condition possible and priced to sell, even then it will take awhile before the right buyer comes along. It is a slow market and my best advice to sellers is patience. - Fri Apr 25 2008, 05:49

If you are selling a home and buying a more expensive home, it would be beneficial to do it now. It may take a little longer to sell and you may get a little less for your current home, but you would also be paying less for your new home.
You must have your home in top showing condition and price it right and be patient. - Wed Apr 16 2008, 13:47