by Nicki Campbell

There can't be anyone out there who isn't aware of the downturn in the housing market.  It's everywhere -- in the papers, on the news, on the morning TV shows, on the evening talk shows, on the radio, in the conversations at the water cooler -- and most of us are pretty tired of hearing about it.  In fact, that's one of the many great things about the Olympics.  For two whole weeks, the focus is on the exciting events in China and off the housing situation!

Of course, all of this has many people scared.  We get questions all the time about whether or not it's possible  - or wise - to sell their home in today's market. 

There's no simple answer to that question.  Yes, the market is slower and the price of most homes has declined a bit, although not as much in Columbus as in other markets.  We have remained fairly stable and not experienced the double digit declines of Florida, California, Las Vegas and Phoenix.  If you don't really need to move and will be content to stay where you are for several years, then it probably is wise for you to stay put for awhile.  But if you have been toying with the idea of moving up to a larger house or downsizing to a smaller one, the conditions are ideal for buying right now, even if you have to sell in this buyer's market.  What you may lose on the seller's side you will make up for on the buyer's side.

If you do decide to sell -- and for some people there is no choice -- please be assured that every day houses are being bought and sold in the Columbus real estate market.  They may be on the market longer than in the past few years and the process may be a bit more frustrating, but they are selling.  And, as we have said so many times before, the houses that are selling in this market are the ones that are priced aggressively, are in top condition and are staged well.

Remember that buyers have a wide choice right now.  Whatever their price range, they will find many homes from which to choose.  And the home they ultimately buy will be the nicest one they find in that price range.   You need to make sure that one is yours!