Well 2008 should bring some changes to the slumping housing market that will bode well for 2009. First off are the builders and their strategy to keep available spec homes to absolute minimums, meaning most new build customers will have to wait 3-5 months for completion of their home. Secondly will be the onslaught of short sale, or pre-foreclosure homes. These homes will be priced very competitively with new builds and many will be turn key ready. All appliances, window treatments and landscaping already done, which is not the case with new builds. The short sale market should flourish in 2008 which will lessen the available inventory and will help normalize the market and allow values to rise. Many large investors have already begun to make their decisions and purchases which always means: THE BOTTOM IS HERE. Now is the time to buy.