FROM THE PUBLISHER

What will 2008 bring in the real estate market? The consensus among the experts we speak to is a slow stabilization and the beginnings of a gradual recovery.

Why is that important to you? Well, if you’re reading this magazine, you’re likely in the market for a new home. But you’re also likely holding off making a decision to buy. Maybe, you think, prices will decrease further and the amazing bargains available today will become outrageous bargains a few months from now.

That was one of the oddest aspects of 2007. Although conditions for buyers had never been more favorable, we still saw a lot of fence-sitting.

But even the most pessimistic economists don’t think waiting is a particularly smart move in a traditionally hot market like the Bay area. Economic fundamentals remain strong, job growth remains solid and interest rates remain low.

Those factors, combined with the inevitable pent-up demand that follows a slowdown, likely means fewer bargains in the coming months. Of course, if your only motivation for buying a home is to flip it in a couple of months for a big profit, you might as well stay on the fence—and plan to stay there a long, long time. Those crazy days aren’t coming back anytime soon.

But if your motivation is to buy a home to live in, it’s hard to imagine a more opportune time to get in the market. Over the long haul, a new home—especially in the Bay area—is still just about the best investment you can make.

We can get you started. In this issue, you’ll find everything you need to know in embarking on your home search. We describe the neighborhoods, list the developments and discuss the schools. We even help narrow down your search with our first annual "Where to Buy" list, which spotlights top communities.

In addition, we talk about trends in the new-home industry, such as green building, and talk about the great work builders and developers do to make the Bay area an even better place in which to live and raise families.