You may have seen the little buttons REALTORS® are wearing these days. When you see one, ask the question: “Why should I buy real estate today?” And listen to all the reasons you will be given. Here are just a few:

All Real Estate is Local. Local market conditions are oftentimes different from what’s happening nationally. The Capital Area housing market was very active in 2007 with home prices performing favorably even though sales were off about 5 percent from 2006. The median home sale price has demonstrated consistent but modest year-over-year gains for the past ten years. Home sales have also consistently increased over the past ten years as well with the exception of 2007 which finished at levels near 2004.

Great Selection. Current market conditions offer a great supply of homes to choose from. This may not be the case if inventories of existing homes, which are at near historical highs, decrease and sales pick up. Now you can have just exactly what you want. You don’t have to settle for less than your dream home. Buy now!

Low Mortgage Rates. There are a variety of safe mortgage products at near historically low rates. A variety of mortgage loans exist for those credit-worthy borrowers. With very favorable mortgage rates and a wide range of available inventory this is without question an excellent time to buy. Buy now!

Very Affordable. Homes in the Capital Area provide an outstanding value and our community is regularly cited in national affordability studies. The Capital Area’s median sale price is less than half that of the state of Illinois median price. Modest prices coupled with modestly increasing income levels make for an affordable market. Because our market hasn’t experienced the huge swings that areas of the East and West coast have, we don’t expect prices to decrease which is why the time to act is now. Buy now!

For consumers considering buying or selling a home, there is no one better informed than a local neighborhood REALTOR®. So when you see the REALTOR® button, get all the rest of the answers on why you should BUY NOW! And be sure you are working with a real estate professional who is a member of the Capital Area Association of REALTORS®.

Always consult a professional