Buyers Market? Sellers Market?

A buyer's market can be defined as: "A market condition characterized by an abundance of goods available for sale." e. And if there is an abundance of goods for sale, and no one else wants that product of value--buy it because the price will be lower and you'll have more potential to maximize your investment.

The in-depth definition could be : "When a buyer's market exists in commodities, the buyer is able to be selective in purchasing contracts, as there are many individuals wishing to sell. Furthermore, these buyers will generally be able to purchase at lower prices than those that were previously prevalent."

The simple version is: when no one else wants a product of value -- buy it, because the price will be lower whereby you'll be able to maximize your investment for future gain. In essence -- buy low, sell high.

Then there are the prices. While they have been flat over the last couple years, they are starting to increase. This is where you're research on the housing market must turn local. The national numbers mean nothing to you when it comes to investing in real estate. Where are your average prices? Are they flat, deflating or appreciating? And what is happening specifially in neighborhoods with which you may be competing or in which you would like to buy a home?

You have plenty of housing inventory from which to choose. Sales are soft. Sellers are generally more negotiable. Prices are flat. Interest rates are still historically low. Sounds to me like the buyer who has been waiting on the sidelines needs to get off the fence and pull out his checkbook.