Don't Try to Time the Market. When home prices are lower, it is very tempting for potential buyers to try to wait as long as possible in the hopes that prices will decline even further. This strategy can be detrimental because when there is high inventory, smart sellers price their homes properly – not according to past sales but according to current conditions – so their homes will sell in a timely fashion. Once a home is priced to what the current market will bear, buyers will make offers. 

Shop Around. But Don't Wait Too Long. The National Association of REALTORS reports that homes are staying on the market for several months. Recent increased inventory gives homebuyers a great opportunity to compare homes that meet their needs. However, this does not mean that homebuyers should procrastinate. If you find a house you love, put in your bid and negotiate. Don't provide an opportunity for another buyer to make an offer.

Watch Mortgage Rates. As of early 2009, mortgage rates were continuing to fall to historic lows.  This presents a strong opportunity to enter the real estate market, particularly for first time homebuyers who have no need to sell another home. Simple mortgage calculators widely available online can help you determine just how much you will pay per month, based on a given rate. For example, a monthly payment on a 30-year fixed 5.875 mortgage rate on a 300,000 loan will be $1,774.61.

Negotiate on the Incentives. Sellers eager to move may offer you a variety of incentives. If you accept an incentive, make sure it makes sense for you. Instead of having your bills paid, you may opt to have the seller renovate the master bathroom or install new flooring. Of course, you can always ask the seller to simply deduct the amount in question from the list price.



Real estate professionals in Incline Village/Crystal Bay for more than three decades, Schwartz-Stanton Group (SSG) understands the unique maze of the real estate industry and the Lake Tahoe real estate market in particular.  Home sellers turn to principals Tawny Stanton and Dan Schwartz to be their Lake Tahoe real estate advocate for their guidance, expertise, marketing program, negotiating skills and more.  Home buyers turn to Dan and Tawny not only for their guidance, expertise and skill but also because Dan and Tawny's tangible experience is a proven track record.  Helping the Lake Tahoe home seller and/or buyer meet their real esate dreams and goals is all a part of the Schwartz-Stanton Group at  Coldwell Banker Incline Village Realty. Tawny and Dan were the owners of Tanager Realty, a prominent and successful real estate firm in Incline Village founded in 1974. In July 2006, Dan and Tawny merged Tanager Realty with Coldwell Banker Incline Village Realty making the blending of the two firms the powerhouse leader in the real estate community blending local expertise and superior client service with global marketing reach.   SSG and SSGTahoe.com is your one stop source for homes for sale, lakefront property, luxury real estate, condominiums for sale, development properties and more.  Schwartz-Stanton Group, Lake Tahoe Real Estate for Clients of Distinction.