Well, if you still need a push, the week's interest rate figures came out yesterday. Even though it hardly seems possible that rates can go any lower, they did. Setting a new record for lowest rate, the 30 year fixed now dropped to 3.89%, while the 15 year fixed followed suit and dropped to 3.16%! I can't predict where these will go, but the feeling in the market is that while rates are likely to begin a slow upward move later in the year, it is quite possible they may first shrink even further if the Fed continues its previously announced policy of buying Treasury paper.

What does this mean for you, the buyers and sellers of the world?

Well, as I've often mentioned here, if you're a buyer, it means, now more than ever before, that it is time to get out and get yourself pre-approved by your lender or mortgage broker and simultaneously call your Realtor and start looking at houses. I mean, in the words of Chubby Checker in Limbo Rock, "How low can you go?" If you need a referral to a lender or mortgage broker, we know the very best and would be happy to pass along a name to you. These are folks we've dealt with successfully for years!

If you're a Seller, these rates mean that more folks can afford your home than ever before. Lower rates allow them to borrow more and pay for more house than before--perhaps yours? Unsure about what your home is worth or how to start the process; should you stage; vacate while on the market; what, if any repairs to do; and so on, call us. We can handle it all. After a combined 45 years experience, who would be better suited to do so? Peter: (415) 279-6466/Jane: (415) 531-4091. You can also email us: pjrichmond@pacunion.com .