Hi all,I hope everyone is enjoying the obvious start to winter we are having. Personally I like it.

Well, it's been pretty hard to ignore economic downturn we are currently in. It can be daunting. But I want to assure everyone that just because the markets and the overall economic picture is bleak in the short term, it does not mean that you cannot be actively involved in the real esate markets right now. If you were thinking about buying or selling before the economy turned, do not feel like your attitude needs to change. We cannot predict the future, but there are plenty of opportunities. Being fiscally responsible at a time like this can really benefit you. If you have a good credit situation, banks, or other lenders will be more than willing to work with you. If you are interested in knowing you credit situation, or how to improve yours, there is a great article in the Hamilton Spectator today detailing some issues with credit. Here is the link:

http://www.thespec.com/News/Business/article/463937

Here is also some information for buyers and sellers, just to reassure you in this difficult time.

Buyers:Obviously, a downturn in the real esate markets benefits you. There are many more products out there. This means that you can afford to negotiate more aggressively, as well as avoiding competition more often.

Sellers who have had their properties on the market for a while may be more willing to accept more conditions, or low offers. The future is difficult to predict, but based on the past few years, there is no better time than right now to buy.Sellers:If you are making a lateral move, selling right now is not going to harm you. Lateral moves make the market more or less irrelevant. So do not be afraid to talk to a realtor and discuss your options. If the economy worsens in the next little while, now may be the best time to still get good money for your property.

I will put all this information on my website and blog as well. Please check out marknyman.com, and if you ever have any real estate quesitons, please feel free to call me anytime. Have a wonderful day. Oh, and I'm really pumped that Obama won!!