Joe McKernan

Whether you are renting, contemplating investment properties, considering "up-sizing" or "down-sizing," there appears to be strong evidence that the time to come off the "Real Estate Sidelines" is upon us. There are many factors that influence a persons decision to make a real estate investment, whether it's a primary residence, vacation home or rental property.

"Are we at the bottom?" is what the Buyer asks. "I'm not giving my house away!" is what the Seller proclaims. Questions and comments of this sort, in most cases, are, believe or not, irrelevant. As mortgage financing gets more expensive and difficult to obtain (see Anna Marie Andriotis' article in WJS's Smart Money http://www.smartmoney.com/personal-finance/real-estate/why-you-should-buy-that-home-now-1297456803897/?cid=sm_pfspend_rss&mod=smartmoney), waiting for home prices to go lower may cost Buyers significantly more money overall. Sellers certainly do not benefit from "ready, willing and unable" Buyers. As less people qualify for mortgages, the person who really benefits is the landlord.

What do you think?