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Time to buy? Contrasting views
The housing market's tumble has left many people wondering if it's time to snap up bargains or if it's still better to stay on the sidelines. Two experts on opposite sides of the spectrum give their best advice to would-be buyers.
Danielle Lynn Babb, Ph.D., is an author, entrepreneur and real estate consultant. A California native, she has appeared frequently on national television and radio. She is the author of several books, including "Finding Foreclosures: An Insiders Guide to Cashin' In on this Hidden Market," and "Real Estate v. 2.0."
Warren R. Bland, Ph.D., is a professor of geography at California State University, Northridge, and has traveled doing geographical research across North America. Bland has also authored books on the topic, including "Retire in Style: 60 Outstanding Places Across the USA and Canada."
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| Time to buy? The opposing views |
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| Buy soon if you have good credit and plan to stay in a home a few years. |
Don't buy yet. Prices will likely drop much further and deals will get even sweeter. |
| Over the long run minor price differences won't make much difference. |
The mortgage crisis, rising inventories and recession threats will bring a lower equilibrium. |
| Lock in a low rate today and you'll reap the benefits for years to come. |
It took four years to recover from the last housing slump -- we're facing a few more years of pain. |
Dr. Dani Babb: 'Go for it'
 With all the uncertainty in the housing market, buyers have been staying away in droves.
While the reaction may be understandable, it's not necessarily smart.
Some buyers should be taking advantage of the situation -- not sitting on the sidelines and waiting for prices to fall even more, says Babb, real estate analyst. It's not necessarily a wise decision. If you've got good credit, a plan to stay in the new home for a few years and your dream house in your sights, snap it up.
"If you're renting right now, there's a really good chance your mortgage won't be much more than your rent in many areas," says Babb. "You'll get a tax break, and if you stay a few years, you'll see it start to appreciate as well."
| -- Posted: April 14, 2008 |
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