As we come to the end of a year it is always interesting to look back and review the past 12 months.

Well what a year it was for real estate! Already declining market values were hammered further by the sub-prime fall-out and foreclosures were rife in areas where we never expected to see them. Many short sales as well. Even as we move in to 2008 it is hard to predict if home values have bottomed out or if they still have further to go. Regardless, there are some extremely good real estate buys out there. If I were in a position to buy, I would not hesitate. Rates are good and only a fool plans to buy at the bottom of the market as you can only see the bottom after you have passed it.

From a personal perspective, I had a good 2007. I achieved my targets (just) and I plan to move to bigger and better things in 2008. I also decided to make a change of broker and I am now affiliated with J Rockcliff Realtors, a relatively new name in San Ramon Valley real estate although hardly a new company. J Rockcliff was formed when Jeff Sposito, East Bay Regional Vice President of Intero Real Estate Services bought out all of the East Bay offices owned by Intero Real Estate Services, renaming them J Rockcliff Realtors. This was in March of this year and already J Rockcliff is recognized as the premier East Bay real estate broker.

So 2007 is almost over and soon we will enter a new year. I wish all of my readers a wonderful Holiday season and a prosperous and healthy 2008.