Here in Sonoma County we have definitely seen some changes in the entry level home market(Under about 400K).  As you know from our previous entries, our market has been dominated by bank owned properties and short sales.  Recently this segment of the market has been very active with buyers and investors returning to, or entering into the market.  Many of the properties that our clients are offering on are seeing multiple offers again.  Sometimes this comes as a surprise to buyers, who may think that the bank owned properties are sitting on the market waiting for an offer.  In reality, many of the properties in this price range move pretty quickly, which means that the bank may not do a lot to prepare the properties for sale.  Buyers should expect to see many properties with worn carpet, paint etc.  Your best tool as a buyer is to team up with an agent that is active in and familiar with the current market.  We will be holding several buyers classes in the near future which will cover buying in todays market, Bank owned properties, short sales, getting a loan, and where do I start?  These will be very informal classes with lots of time for questions and answers.  Hope to see you there.  Call us today to reserve a spot.