We continue to hear news that the market is cooling. Pundits all around say that the hot housing market has slowed and the ride is over. I don't agree with that thesis, especially in the area. Certainly things are not selling as quickly as they did this time last year and certainly the prices may not be at the same level they were this time last year but what that really means is that the market is becoming more normal. Every month the Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors (GCAAR) compiles stats showing what's happening. Here's the link for the April figures for single family homes in DC: http://gcaar.com/statistics/2006/dcsf0406.pdf

The condo market is a different animal, however. There are so many condos on the market now and so many yet to come, if you wait a few more months before you buy a condo you may be able to get a good deal. Here's the link for the April figures on condos in DC: http://gcaar.com/statistics/2006/dccc0406.pdf

Lots more open houses these days too. If you're doing your house shopping exclusively through open houses though, you aren't really getting a full picture of what's available. On any given weekend there is a handful of houses that are open. It's a good way to get started but when you're really ready to kick your search into overdrive the best way to do it is by working with an agent (me) to get you in to those properties that aren't held open. If you just like to look at houses and what a list of what's open, send me an email. I've got an open house this weekend. The address is 3105 12th St. NE. The photo of the house is above this post. Hope to see you there this Sunday, 2-5 pm. I've got to start my day now. Enjoy the rest of yours.