Yes, the economic scene is not as strong as it was -and not that very long ago.  As soon as you have let that thought into your mind, you should follow it up with a question - and not just any question!  Ask yourself, "for whom?"  For whom are the economic forecasts threatening?

If you are a sensible person who has carefully monitored their finances and paid your bills on time, this market is an opportunity.  If you have a stable job (not like us Realtor's) you have an income that will carry you through fluctuating markets;  then this is an opportunity market for you as well!

My son has a friend who has graduated from a major American university with a degree in Engineering.  He has been working for a top bio-engineering company even before graduating from college.  He has been out for over two years now, working full time and enjoying all of the benefits that having money brings.  Lately, it has occurred to him that maybe, just maybe he needs to invest in some real estate to shelter some of his hard earned income!  This is an opportunitiy market for him too!

Let's be optimists and realists.  It is a choice.  The interest rates are very good.  (Remeber when they were 16%??!)  Incomes have risen dramatically over the last 15 years and industry has grown!  Keep that in mind...and remeber what power words can have!  There is nothing to fear but fear itself. 

The market of the last three years is unlike anything that I have ever experienced.  Awesome while it lasted!  We are back to reality now, where we are only too happy for a well lqualified buyer.  They are out there and they are looking for those of us who are excellent, reliable and knowledgeable - hard working agents.