This past weekend was beautiful outside, so I took some time to help an adopted Niece celebrate her 3rd Birthday. If you ever need a smile, go to a 3 year olds birthday party. While I was visitng with some of the parents at the party I ended up talking to a Woman that works for an Apartment Rental Company. Well one topic led to another, and we started talking Real Estate. She was amazed that in this market, Renting an Apartment is at an all time high! She said they could not rent the apartments fast enough. She of course was happy for her company, but baffled by the amount of people renting instead of buying. It is not her job to talk someone out of renting from them, but in this market she wishes she could buy now, or at least invest in Real Estate. I too am amazed that people are stepping back from Buying and would rather rent. Not only for the tax reasons and savings from buying, but from the market. The illinois Realtor's Association just put out a New Brochure about the Benefits of Buying Now. This woman's was telling me some of the reasons people were choosing to rent instead of Buying. "I am waiting for the Market to hit bottom".  I do not think anyone can predict when the market will hit rock bottom, but what I do know is that you will be buying a home almost in some cases 20% less than your new neighbor did. Also, by the time most of us realize that we hit rock bottom we will be on the way up. Besides, the tax money you save in 1 year can be the difference in your savings. Another of her favorites is, " I am waiting for the rates to come back down!". I remember when I bought my home 10 years ago and I was so excited to get 7.95% which was the best interest rate we had in over 8 years prior to my purchase.  There are many reasons why now is the time to buy a home, or move up in homes it's just that you need to apply some thinking power to the reasons. One of my personal favorites is, "My Mom or Dad told me to wait until......", well I hope your Mom or Dad who are not Real Estate Professionals do not give you legal advice if they are not Attorneys. Do me a favor, introduce yourself to a Real Estate Agent you do not know, and ask them if this is a good market to buy. I bet you they turn and answer " Oh my gosh, YES!".  If they can not give you 10 reasons, then call me. With my Finance background I can name at least 10 great reasons off the top pf my head. Not because I want to sell you something, I just want to spread the word-

Karen