As the temperature drops and the snow piles up, it's easy to forget that spring is quickly approaching. And after more than three years of a painful housing swoon, real estate experts predict that lower prices, attractive mortgage rates, and a tax perk from Uncle Sam will create the most vibrant spring home selling season in some time.

Even the grumpiest, grinchiest economist would have to admit that New Year's 2010 looks a whole lot more positive for real estate and housing than things did last year at the same time.

It can be one of the hardest things to do -- save money for your first home. But now, more than ever, there's incentive to buy. Government housing tax credits have been extended and that's sparking buyers' interest.

Existing-home sales bounced back strongly in September according to the National Association of Realtors.

It could be a good time to invest in real estate, given the abundance of foreclosures and other distressed properties with reduced prices.

Name just about any housing market or economic indicator you can think of, and the odds are good that last week it was much better than the preceding week or month.

While many sellers and real estate agents take a reactive approach to market conditions, those sellers who take a more proactive and realistic approach to the market will be the ones who sell their homes. These are the sellers who take advantage of this market and responsibly move up to their dream home.

Most sellers know of some repairs that need to be made to their home, and a lot of sellers have many items on that list, but not all repairs are equal or, rather, not all home improvements rank high in the buyer’s mind.

Home-equity snapshots paint a bright picture! In all 150 markets tracked by the National Association of Realtors® - including hard hit markets - households have uniformly enjoyed strong equity gains despite the recent downturn.

Congress has passed sweeping economic stimulus legislation to help homeowners throughout the country. Find out how you can benefit from the Federal government's incentives. Click here for details.

After many months of home value uncertainty, we've found a silver lining for real estate! Buyers, sellers and REALTORS are using incentives and incredible interest rates to raise the market. Click here for details.

Thinking of buying a home? New first-time home buyer tax credits, competitive prices and low mortgage rates make it the perfect time to buy. Click here for details.

Will the Real Estate Market "thaw-out" In 2009? A leading Wisconsin industry analyst weighs in on your future. Click here for details.

• From "Wisconsin Economic Forecast"
• By Dr. Stephen Malpezzi
• Wisconsin Real Estate Magazine, January 2009

Do You Think You are Over Assessed? Under Assessed?

• From "Assessing Your Assessment... Taxing Times Ahead"
• By Kevin King & Debbi Conrad
• Wisconsin Real Estate Magazine, December 2008

Click here for details.