A look at today's market conditions indicates that there may be harder times in store for sellers than just a "seasonal slowdown."

According to the National Association of Realtors, "Total existing-home sales -- including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops -- were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 7.09 million units." That is down 2.7 percent from September’s pace, but still 3.7 percent above the 6.84 million-unit level in October 2004.

Raleigh, North Carolina, is a good example of the current trend in real estate, where the inventory of homes for sale has dropped 16 percent in the last year (except for higher end homes, which actually increased in inventory this year). Prices, however, are on still on the rise -- stemming most probably from the lack of inventory in the area. If more homes come on the market or more newer homes are built, one could predict a more balanced market -- which considering the rate people are relocating to the area, is a big possibility.

The current average list price for resale housing in the county is $260,700.

One of our real estate experts notes for the Greeley, Colorado, area, "While you have likely already missed the 'window of opportunity' to get the peak price for your property, if you have been considering selling your home, right now you could get the highest price for your property that you are likely to get in at least the next five to ten years." No one knows for sure where the real estate market will be in 5 months or 5 years, but experts are using past market information and current economic studies to predict where the market will turn.

In Greeley, 118 single family homes were sold last monght, as compared with 129 sold in October last year -- down 8.5 percent. The median single family home price is up 6.4 percent from last year, a bit above the national average, to a price of $180.500.

Indianapolis, Indiana, known as the "Cross Roads of America," is also seeing a slow market. One local broker reports his transactions are down 50 percent from last year. With a huge inventory and slumping values, buyers should have no trouble finding what they want for a reasonable price. New construction is moving faster than existing homes. For those looking for more affordable areas in the country, Indianapolis currently has over 6,000 homes for sale under the $100,000 mark.