We're in a 'perfect storm' where the seasonal and economic cycles are coincidentally at low points, so the market is understandably quiet.  Our real estate market usually reawakens in January and slowly builds to a crescendo in August.  The wild card this year, of course, is whether the economic cycle will cooperate with some signs of turning around during the first half of 2009. 
 
Let me assure you that we've never had a buyer come into our office and say "I want to steal a home".  Nor have we had a buyer say "I want to bail someone out by paying too much for their home, just to help them out".  The truth is that buyers just want the best house for the money--fair value. 
 
We'll keep you posted on the market as the new year unfolds and we encourage your call or email if you have specific questions we might help with. 
 
Here's the latest article from an economist I follow regarding the economy.
Wells Fargo outlook
 
We wish you and your family our best wishes for a warm and happy holiday season. 
 
Tupper