Q: We’ve been waiting to buy for a couple of years.

We needed to save up a down payment and were hoping prices would drop. It doesn’t look like they are dropping but we’ve heard that there will be a huge drop in prices in the fall. What do you think?

A: No one has a crystal ball and can see into the future, but according to financial publications, forecasters and industry analysts, I would not expect a major drop in local real estate prices at any point in the future. We are fortunate to live in a state that has not been as affected by the sub-prime disaster, and Vashon Island remains a boutique market that is highly desirable.

What is notable for us on Vashon is that we currently have a larger than usual inventory of homes. In addition, there are many more “affordable" homes in the lower end of our price structure. That means lots more homes for you to choose from.

Interest rates remain very low and there are new FHA programs and other lender programs that offer help to lower income buyers. I remember that you folks qualified for $375,000 the last time you were looking but we had almost no homes in that price range to look at. Currently we have 14 houses on the market for that price or less.

This is a good opportunity to take advantage of the combination of a large ( for us) inventory of homes to chose from, low interest rates and good financial packages that offer some special programs.

In our rush to make a good investment and even anticipate making money on the future sale of our home, we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that we are also providing a roof over our heads.

The benefits of owning a home are not just measured in money. A safe, secure home for you and your family, the chance to use the mortgage deduction on your income taxes and the pride of home ownership all should be considered in deciding that it’s finally time to buy.