http://www.fortlauderdalesbesthomes.com/blogs/whynotbuynow/atom.aspxCommunity Server2009-02-02T10:30:00Zhttp://www.fortlauderdalesbesthomes.com/blogs/whynotbuynow/archive/2009/02/02/the-good-the-bad-and-the-not-so-pretty-fortlauderdalesbesthomes-com.aspx2009-02-02T15:30:00Z2009-02-02T15:30:00Z<p>&nbsp;&nbsp; With January behind us and the sales figures in, it looks like there may be some good news for our real estate market after all. The good news is mostly for buyers as prices continued to decline and banks continue to take back properties in record numbers. By now you may be wondering what&#39;s so good about that. First of all if your looking to purchase, now may be your best oppurtunity. Keep in mind as the numbers are released they represent past sales as in historical data. The reason I bring that up is that we won&#39;t really no when the bottom of the market hits until after the fact. When prices flatten out or start rising, only then will we know for sure that the market has turned.</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp; Now if you&#39;re considering selling, now isn&#39;t the time to be testing the market. The listings that sell are aggresively priced and usually represent the best value for a specific area. If you are motivated then make sure you position yourself to stand out. Hire the best agent available and make sure your property is the best value. The two most important things you can do are to price it among the lowest of listings that will be your competition and make it physically stand out as much as possible.</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp; Now as for the numbers, we saw a slight increase in year to year sales for January. Unfortunately prices continued to decline with the median price going from in December to in January for single family homes and from in December to in January for condos.</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp; So, as we go forward there are going to be more and more things being done to stimulate the housing market. The new administration in Washington is commited to turning our economy around and housing is a key part of that. With low interest rates, tax credits for first time buyers and affordable prices we should see some improvement in 2009. </p><p>As usuall if you or someone you know has any questions or is looking to&nbsp;buy or sell please don&#39;t hesitate to contact me.</p><p>Gary&nbsp;</p><img src="http://www.fortlauderdalesbesthomes.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=417289" width="1" height="1">193481http://www.fortlauderdalesbesthomes.com/members/193481.aspx