What does Menopause and the Market in Real Estate have in common?  Well, first there was the unexplained bloating. Gradually at first, not really noticeable until the waistband got uncomfortably snug.  What used to fit with ease (getting a mortgage) suddenly was two sizes too small (Stricter requirements).             

Before you know it, the only thing that  fit were sweat pants. Which is an admission, to yourself that your other clothes are too tight. (Stated Income, full figure documents)            

 Next was the unexplained weight gain.  (Rising Prices) No matter what you did the bathroom scale and the cost of purchasing a home went up. Through the roof. The number just got higher and higher.            

Then came the irritability. The  Surprised Buyer: "What do you mean the lender went out of business?"  The Angry Seller response: "I am not going to give my house away"            

 Followed by hormonal responses.  Buyer response: "Who needs a stupid house anyway!"   And  Seller's concern:  "When will my house sell?"  

The Night Sweats- affected both buyers and sellers but for different reasons. There are remedies which ease the discomfort of night sweats (Fed assisting with lowering the interest rates, mortgage programs with down payment assistance and availability of loans )and reduced asking prices of existing homes as well as new construction incentives at all time highs.  

Sure, there are still occasional hot flashes.  It will take a little longer to process loan applications. Homes will take a little longer to sell.  The median time frame is approximately 121 days.   But overall, the condition is treatable.  Same with the housing market.  Now that the prices are no longer on steroids,  the aftermath of the boom has allowed the market to stabilize somewhat and we are seeing an overall leveling of buyer ability. A more sedate mortgage industry and offering of loans to qualified buyers is achievable.  

As result, area newcomers are realizing that there are some good values at present locally, like in Osceola County, Florida for example.  Foreclosures have added to the available inventory, but at reduced prices in many cases.  For those buyers who waited out the mad dash of 2004-2005 and find themselves in a position to put 5-10% down; can qualify for mortgage programs, and to help matters along the FHA/VA requirements have been loosened up and increased. (The tailor is working on those dress pants)  

In the end, since Real Estate is cycled the lowering of prices has and will continue to achieve sales in what some refer to as a soft market.  As with any change of life, it take time, patience and some understanding of what is happening  to get through it.