When someone says "I'll wait to buy a house because I've heard rumors that prices will go down."
What statement would you give and how would you convince them to work with you?

lately ive been saying:
interest rates are still low, would you rather gain or lose 5-10% by the time you purchase.
there's alot more inventory now than before and you don't want to deal with multiple counteroffers when there's a shortage on homes.
I work with a great loan officer and he has programs for everyone and you can probably qualify for 100% financing with zero down.

Please share your ideas.
Also please post how your market is doing and what state/city you're referring to.

Woodland Hills, CA

Those are all great replies.
Also, you could point out that rumors are just hot air. If you could show the person a market absorption report, you can blow away the hot air with hard facts, and that impresses potential clients. It lets them know you're knowledgeable, and that's the kind of agent they're looking for when they ask those questions.
The market here (60 mi. N of N.O. LA) is very healthy. For instance, homes listing in my area at $80-120K have 99% odds of selling in 90 days, as do homes $160-180K(low to medium priced homes in this market), and homes listed at $200-225K are at 90%. Don't know how your market compares. But it would sure be in your best interest to find out.
Jane

Your responses are very good. You might include the tax advantages to homeownership and rent vs. own calculations.
There are some heated discussions about the SoCal "housing bubble" on this site I thought were interesting:
http://208.185.149.126/WebX/RealEstateJournal%20Discussions/1

When was the last time you saw housing prices drop in your lifetime? They haven't. The buyers you have are not serious at the present time, stay in touch with them on a regular basis, but don't spend all your time with them.

The price of money will be going up shortly.

I've heard that prices have dropped in certain area: Cal in the 70's I think. It could happen, esp when int rates go back up.
But don't let that get in your way. Just use your responses - if they don't work, nothing will.

Sounds interesting. What is it, and how do I get it?

Thanks