If you absolutely have to buy a house right now, find a used house salesman that has experienced at least one housing bust. Most agents out there right now have never seen a down market. At least the exprience guy will give you a balance viewpoint, and not keep repeating what the list price was two years ago, and how it is a screaming deal right now! The experience guy or gal will also be able to catch a sales trick before you even have to waste your time going to see the house. My brother, who is in LA, can give you the full run down on a property within minutes of telling him the address, thru the internet and he’s RE contacts, but he has been doing real estate for 18 years.
Get yourself an home bust experienced person if you have to buy a home right now.