Where have all the buyers gone?  Buying real estate in the greater Seattle area in this markets presents a great opportunities. How? You have sellers that are in a situation of a "must sell" for many reasons. Then you have all this inventory just sitting on the market creating a great buyers market. Interest rates are still low. Prices are coming down in many areas. What does all this do for you the buyer, creates opportunities to purchase real estate  below market values and be in the driver seat during the whole transaction! You make money in real estate going in not going out, let me explain. When you buy a property in a market like we are experiencing you have the opportunity for a great deal, your money is made on the purchase not the sale. Let's say you bought a property in the up market and paid full price for your property and are now trying to sell that same property, you will not make as much. Yes, money is harder to come by due to the subprime fallout but this actually creates an even better market to buy for those who can. So, if you are in the market to buy a home or investment property now is the time, don't wait for the market to change because when it does price will start to go up again!