RIGHT NOW COULD VERY WELL BE THE BEST TIME FOR YOU TO BUY A HOME

There is no doubt that today it's a buyer's market. With an abundant selection of homes on the market, now is a great time to be looking for that new home. For qualified homebuyers, opportunities abound, there's a lot out there to choose from. It's a simple case of supply and demand. Right now, if you're a buyer, you're in demand!

Just what is that opportunity? For starters, it's a great supply of homes alongside interest rates still within a point or so of all-time lows. For the average homebuyer with good credit and steady income, that makes buying a home more affordable than ever. Tighter credit rules are helping homebuyers pinpoint how much they can - and can't - afford. For first-time homebuyers, there are special financing programs that make homeownership even easier. So instead of playing interest rate roulette, buying now - to start building equity and realizing the tax benefits of homeownership is a smart move.

Twin Cities Economic Trends Show Opportunity Is Everywhere
So, if the supply of homes is great and the rates are low, where in the Twin Cities do I look? The answer: anywhere and everywhere. The Twin Cities perennially ranks near the top of just about every "best of" list. A strong economy. A vibrant music and art scene. Healthcare. Sports. Parks. Lakes and recreation. All reasons that make the Twin Cities a great place to live, keeping home values outperforming most every other major U.S. market. And our economic stability and diverse job market continue to make this area attractive to new residents, helping keep demand up and home values strong - long into the future.

Like any other market, the housing market will have its ups and downs. But as a long-term investment, homeownership makes a lot of sense. Here in the Twin Cities, home values normally appreciate nearly four percent each year, right in line with a 20-year trend. The business base is diverse and healthy with steady employment rates, and the Met Council says the area is on track to add nearly one million people between 2000 and 2030. Think about it. More people divided by finite land availability is an equation that points to continued increases in home values.

The bottom line? A new home is more than numbers on a spread sheet or an entry on your financial portfolio. It's your home. Your haven. Where you raise your family, and build your dreams. When you look at it that way, it's a much different picture. Buying a new home is one of the most exciting things you'll do in your life. And today's new homes offer all the amenities and features to help you make the most of each and every day. When you measure a new home purchase, not in dollars, but in dreams, buying the best home you can will always be the best decision you can make.

Savvy homebuyers understand the silver lining in today's market, and the great opportunities that exist. Is the time right for you to buy?