Market full of obstacles.

The real estate market is active, but do not misunderstand this activity.

The value of your property is significantly lower than previous years, based on the homes buyers are selecting and the prices they negotiate and eventually pay.

The high-flying market of 2005 is not predicted to return for many years.

I too, like to dream and wish we could turn the clock back to those high prices and sell while the market was up.

If you want to sell now, go out and look at what you can buy . . . you will sell low, but you can buy so much more. In this way, you are not losing. You may even be gaining equity by finding a terrific value.

If past sales indicate a lower value for your property, do not think that you can price your home higher than past sales.

Look for homes you want to buy before placing your home on the market. In this way you may be more realistic as a seller in today's market.

This market has many challenges that face both buyers and sellers other than educating the sellers on pricing the home correctly.

A major challenge that faces each and every buyer is the challenge of financing.

Lenders are strict with credit reports to include prompt payment of student loans and verifiable income.

Inspection results concern the lender. Lenders limit the type and amount of credits back to the buyer at closing. Appraisers are very conservative in their evaluation and some lenders, upon review, may reduce the appraised value or the ratio of the loan to the value of the property.

They are strict with appraisals as we continue the label of a declining market.

Lenders scrutinize any and all aspects of the buyer's financial package, questioning each and every loan, each and every purchase, account balances and pay stub. This is typical and comes as a result of the problems that have resulted in the abundance of foreclosures.

Buyers sometimes experience buyer's remorse after finalizing a contract.

So many homes are on the market and buyers fear that, after their purchase, property values will drop. It is my opinion that property values have bottomed out.

This is indicated by the limited number of properties available in several locations.

It is further indicated by appraisals that result in value ranges lower than contract price.

Another strong indicator is the volume or number of sales each month in comparison to the number of new listings.

Fewer properties are coming on the market compared to the volume of sales.

All great indications that the market is active and the look for the future is positive.