There were lots of people weighing in today's Business section in the Post and Courier...all to say that things aren't going to get any better for sellers any time soon. Values continue to decline, even though inventory has dropped below 10,000 for the first time since the whole sad story began in 2006. Every has their own opinions why, but I don't think anyone really knows for sure. One tricky aspect of getting the truth, is that whenever there is an article in the paper, most of the sources cited are real estate agents. Have you ever seen a real estate ad that said, "Now's a lousy time to buy." I can't think of a single aspect of the equation that substantiates this claim. Nothing is going to change quickly. Whatever reasons there are to buy now will continue to be the case 6 to 12 months from now at which time you'll know more about whether the market has truly hit bottom or not. Since time is on your side as a buyer, use it.