The diverse and historic Northeast region of the US has much to offer home buyers, and despite a national slowdown in Real Estate sales, markets from New Jersey to New Hampshire are fighting to stay active.

Neal Harrington of Salem New Hampshire says the first quarter of 2008 has brought a surge of new buyers into his market, mostly in response to lower housing prices and lowered interest rates.

The downside, he says, is that the banking industry has tightened their underwriting guidelines, making it difficult for buyers with little or no money to use towards a down payment and closing costs to get into a home.

In Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Jacquie Testa says that after signs of great growth, home price appreciation is showing signs of slowing.

Buyers have great opportunities to buy at low prices, she says, and sellers need to take the time to research and bring their home prices in line with local sales in their area.

And moving on to Wayne, Maine, market expert Pat Ladd says prices in his area remain stable as there is usually a scarcity of property for sale.

He says waterfront homes continue to attract the attention of buyers, and low interest rates make this a good time to buy.

That's all for our Northeast Region report this week. Be sure to check back to see what conditions are like in your area.

Published: May 6, 2008

Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.