Well it's a little early for predictions, and I'm sure you've already perused plenty of media prognostications....but one reality has made an impression on me over the last week while networking with my agent colleagues: all of them say they are actively working with qualified, ready, able...and even motivated buyers. Some agents even say they have a deep back-log of such buyers who may have postponed their house hunt during the tough months of fall 2008, but still, very simply, need a house. How long will they wait before finding their perfect chance to enter the real estate market?

Looking back to fall 2001/spring 02 in our "shocked" post 9/11 market, a pent-up demand began releasing with buyers getting off the fence and finding their perfect opportunities to buy in the wake of a stalled market. Could spring '09 demonstrate a similar release of fence-sitters into the market? January/February is the traditional launch of the spring market, and this year, the monumental inaguration should enhance some forward momentum.

In Burlingame, the first multiple offer sceario should unfold on January 11 with 1561 Newlands Avenue (pictured) setting their bid date. This is a westside Burlingame Park 2 bedroom 1 bath "Grandma's House" condition on an extra deep 50 x 150 (7,500 sq. ft.) lot offered at $928,000. Of course, anything under $1,000,000 in Burlingame, and especially on the westside, should be a magnet for a wide demographic of buyers (first-time buyers from SF, move-down empty nesters, tear-down contractors, current homeowners in outlying towns seeking Burlingame, etc.) Let's see how it fares, and hopefully we'll be able to raise our glasses around the presence of multiple offers on this one...a toast to an awakening market?!  Best wishes for a healthy and prosperous 2009.

*Remember, it's easy to view all available Burlingame MLS listings above. Simply go to the "MLS Listings" tab above and select your city. Or, to view closed sales prices, click "Sales Prices" above. Or give me a call to set up a private tour of any home. (650) 455-3735