Well, despite the doom and gloom real estate is selling.  The markets sharp turn downward has made it possible for everyday working folks to once again afford a home.  I'm seeing a large number of first time home buyers taking advantage of aggressive government loan programs that require little or nothing down and others that provide money for down payments (as much as $25,000). Also, buyers are getting amazing deals on foreclosures, short sales and preforeclosure homes.  The opportunity for investment are here.  The current crisis will pass and home prices will normalize and when they do those who bought today will be happy they did.