Realtor Beverly Taki of Thousand Oaks, California, 39 miles west of Los Angeles, is reporting a strong buyers market -- with sellers now being forced to sell in a slump.

She notes that prices are falling in most Southern California neighborhoods.

The number of sales tumbled to a 15-year low in mid 2007 -- causing an unusually large amount of very skittish buyers. And sales of existing homes have fallen nationally to their lowest point in five years.

She recommends, "If you need to sell your home in a slow/tight market, price it to sell, and obtain an appraisal, so you might know the value of your property from a professional appraiser's viewpoint."