Contrary to all the negative press in the media, this is the best buyer's market in many years.  As any savvy consumer knows, real estate IS one of the best investments for the future. It has great potential for yielding long-term benefits, IE: tax incentives, financial equity,etc.  So if you have been trying to figure out if it is better to buy now or wait to see "when the market hits the bottom" I would say the time is now. Here are some good reasons why. The cost of borrowing money is so low. Interest rates are almost at the lowest point they have been hovering near a 30 year low. So even if you pay a little more for the house....your payments and overall cost are going to be lower. 
Example: You buy a house now for $200,000 at an interest rate of 6%. Your payment would be approx. $1200.00 mth. If you wait, and the price drops 5% to $190,000 BUT... interest rates have gone up only 1% then that $190,000 @ 7% would make your payment approx. $1265.00
So even though you get the property for considerably less.... you end up paying more for it in the long run.

Also contrary to media hype, banks are still lending money. Financial instituations are lending to "qualified buyers" and there are many good programs still available. So don't let the media scare you into thinking you can not get a home or start buying any investment properties.It is still out there and it is still available.