Having been working with several buyers lately and speaking with other agents, it is quite clear that many buyers are “getting it” that now is the time to buy. I can’t stress enough how low the inventory is in the under $600,000 South Orange County real estate market. In Laguna Niguel, Ladera Ranch, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo and San Juan Capistrano the properties that are in escrow outnumber the homes currently active in the under-$1,000,000 range. And trying to find a “standard sale” (not bank-owned and not a short sale) is pretty tough because most buyers don’t want to wait or deal with a bank. Interest rates remain low, the tax credit has been extended to benefit and attract even more buyers, so I forsee that that activity will remain high and not diminish even during the upcoming holiday season.