You have probaly heard that now is great time to buy and many have shrugged this off due to the all the negetive press going on in today's real estate market. First off, today's real estate market in Snohomish County is not a bad market! Yes, the market is slower than years past, yes home values have dropped (for the better), and yes there are foreclosures and short sales (opportunities for buyers) but this is still a great time to invest in Real Estate! Let me explain why with some financial stastics-

Snohomish County 2005-

• Average Household income $62,080
• Highest median home value $315,000
• Averate interest rate 5.87%

Snohomish County 2006-

• Average Household income $63,313
• Highest median home value $355,000
• Average interest rate 6.41%

Snohomish County 2007-

• Average Household income $65,394
• Highest median home value $376,000
• Average interest rate 6.34%

Snohomish County 2008-

• Average Household income $70,167
• Average median home value down to $325,000
• Average interest rate 6.03%

Snohomish County current-

• Average Household income  TBD but should be equal or higher
• Average median home value- below $325,000
• Average interest rate 5.25%

So, what do I see- incomes have continued to go up on a average per household, home values are now in or near the 2005 year price ranges, BUT interest rates are at a all time low allowing buyer's to pay less for a home on a higher income level with home values at a all time low in comparison. Higher wages, lower interest rates, lower home values, and opportunities due to "urgent or distressed" home owners makes for a great opportunity to invest in real estate as a first home buyer or invester. These interest rates will come and go and will more than likely not come again. Will home values continue to drop, yeah more than likely but as a long term investment they will go back up!

Don't try to "time it right", if you have a stable income, with good credit, now is great time to look into buying a home!!!