The volatile Silicon Valley market has been news in California and the nation for years. Now it seems to be taking a temporary breather in the near normal range.

"The overall real estate market has recently undergone changes, slowing down from the feverish pace earlier this yea," says Realtor Thomas McEvoy. "For sellers, aggressive marketing is a must and sellers need to remember that buyers have more to choose from, thus property condition and terms are important.

He advises buyers, "Different negotiating strategies are necessary to maximize the house and location for the price. There are signs that buyers have more negotiating room than before. With lower interest rates, hovering at historic lows, buyers can take advantage of an opportune time to make a purchase and start building equity in a home."

The area continues to be a big draw.

"Santa Clara County is a diverse community," says Realtor Terri Vellios. "A half hour drive to the beach, 45 minutes to San Francisco, and less than 4 hours to winter skiing."

She says, "Typical for Fall/Winter, real estate inventory starts to decrease, usually equates to less competition for sellers. However, we are still seeing inventory climb. The market climate is prime for both buyers and sellers. Interest rates are favorable. Savvy home buyers are taking advantage of the home inventory and desirable interest rates."

Realtor Mary Kirby suggests the timing is right for real estate investment.

"Given our current economy," she says, "this is an opportune time to invest in real estate, get a mortgage loan with interest rates at their lowest in over 35 years, and put little to nothing down. Like investing in stocks, the best time to buy is when your cost is low so that your future rate of return may be higher. Live in your home for two years or more, then rent it out, and buy another home for yourself. Practice serial investing and over 20 years, you will have acquired close to a dozen homes, some mostly paid off. Long-term real estate investments have been known as one of the most effective methods of accumulating a substantial net worth and monthly income. When you rent, you are paying for someone else's home. When you buy, you have privacy, freedom to decorate, you invest in yourself and in many aspects of your future."