With all the talk in the market that "now is the time to buy," many first time homebuyers are weighing their options -- and the mixed opinions of experts in the field.

While home prices may be at affordable prices -- even dropping -- in some areas, the fear remains that prices could continue to drop, leaving a new homebuyer with a home that is worth less than what they owe. This is a tricky situation when the average homeowner only stays in a home for 6 years. (NAR) Will the market rebound in that time?

But many analysts -- such as those at the National Association of Realtors -- are expecting the market to turnaround - albeit slowly -- as the next year progresses. Existing home sales are expected to rise 5.0 percent in 2009.

The NAR also reports that "based on current indicators, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is forecast to rise gradually to 6.5 percent by the end of this year, and then hold at that level for most of 2009." That will still leave rates at historically low levels.

There are many online tools available for preliminary research before buying a home. You can click here to visit HUD's page on buying advice.

Published: July 22, 2008

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