Based on statistics released by all major metro markets in Texas in mid and late September, the national downturn in real estate and the slowing of sales is now affecting Texas, also. For months on end, the strength of Texas' job markets, and its history of slow, sustained growth had insulated Texas homeowners from the effects felt elsewhere in the United States. While values are holding strong, real estate markets are cooling to some degree. Damages and slow-downs caused by hurricane Ike may impact this trend further.

This does not mean that property owners with an interest in selling should refrain from doing so at this time. In fact, Forbes has just named four Texas cities among the best places to buy property, right now. If you have been considering an upgrade to a larger, newer, or more desirable home, now might be the ideal time to make such a move. Builders are offering significant incentives on new homes; there is an ample supply of highly desirable, previously-owned homes from which to choose; and interest rates are still relatively low.

The most critical decision, when listing a property for sale in a down market, is choosing the right real estate professional to list your home for sale. The right Realtor will give you a solid sense of realistic market expectations and will use every marketing tool available, from the latest advances in web-based marketing to tried-and-true methods like open houses and staging a property optimally for best visual appeal. When competition for buyers is at its peak, now is the time to use the agent with the most know-how and who will work the hardest for an expedient, optimal, low-stress sale.