8/17    Anybody looking to buy a house?  Do you care to comment on the housing
        market in the bay area now?  I heard things have cooled down a lot
        since early 2000.  Thanks.
        \_ From what I see, prices just aren't growing as fast as they were,
           but they're still increasing. Compare average/median prices year
           over year...I saw this in the paper and they still increased,
           but expensive houses increased much less (and averages being what
           they are, some of those will have decreased).
        \_ Ditto. It's not that the prices are going DOWN, it's just the
           price increase that's slowing. My agent said condos/townhouses are
           most likely to close under asking price, but then someone else might
           argue that condos/townhouses' resale value isn't as hot as that of
           single family residence (i.e. house). Approach with caution, wait
           out the market until after this summer. Inventory seems to be more
           abundant so far. - jthoms (also looking for a hse)
        \_ Prices are certainly declining in many regions.  With interest rates
           where they are, it's a good time to be a cautious buyer.  Find the
           home you really want.  If you have to compromise, wait.
        \_ In Southern California, inventories are very, very low. I think
           a lot of people (buyers and sellers) are waiting. What they are
           waiting for I have no idea. --dim
        \_ Houses are sitting on the market much longer. I think it is
           only a matter of time before prices start to go down.
        \_ it's called denial. virtually every single buyer is into denial.
           wait a few months and prices will start crashing down. it is just
           like the real estate of the 80s