In this extremely volatile market it seems that everyone seems uncertain about where the real estate market will be in the next few months. What we do know is that today’s home prices are fairly low and that interest rates are as low as they have ever been. First time buyers seem to be entering the market and making offers on entry level homes, but what about middle priced and higher priced home buyers. The biggest question we get from the prospects we meet is what will the home be worth next year. It appears that purchasing  real estate  in California has become more of an investment challenge than a home buying experience. Most homeowners in the past bought their home with their focus on family values. Proximity to work, schools, churchs and shopping were the major considerations that affected our decisions. The truth of the matter is that real estate in California is cyclical and has been since the first homes were sold. The value of homes has gone up and down over the decades with the upswing typically surpassing the previous markets highs. We believe that we have to get back to the real value of homeownership and re-establish our focus on family needs. The investment part of real estate will take care of itself, just like any other investment. The real question is not what the value of a home will be next year, but where will you be when the price of homes goes back up. This year will be about positioning yourself. 2008 will be the year that many people will look back at and say, I wish I had bought a home when I could have.