Experts who predict such things are saying that we have seen the bottom of  the real estate market this year.  The forecasters predict the real estate market to have a slow growth in 2010.  There will still be a lot of foreclosures on the market, and it will remain a buyer’s market.  But in some areas, inventory is shrinking while demand is picking up.

This is good news for buyers because there are still good deals to be had.  Interest rates remain low and the tax credits offer a good incentive to get moving on finding a home.

Sellers will continue to face buyers with lots of choices.  Staging and curb appeal is vital to get buyer’s attention.  Most buyers want a home that’s move-in ready.  If you have the HGTV or Better Homes & Gardens house, you’re going to stand out.  A prospective buyer will say to himself, “Why should I buy a house that needs work when I can buy a similar one in the neighborhood that’s already done?”  And the buyers who are willing to do some fix-up after they move in are going to ask for hefty discounts in the price.  Often they ask for more than the cost of repairs because of the hassle of having to take on both moving and home improvement projects.

No matter whether you are  a buyer or seller, a good Realtor can help you get the best deal possible.  The outlook is good.