Unless you are buying a unique property and are getting a significant discount, there is no reason to buy right now. I am the buyer Adam referred to that he represented in the Vista area. The place we bought was a unique ranch property with over 5 acres, horse facilities, and an ocean view, at a huge discount to the comps.
There are for sale signs everywhere around here when I drive around back into the city area, so be patient. If I were buying a tract type of home, I would wait for a year at a minimum. I only pulled the trigger due to the uniqueness of our needs, and what we found. I am under no false illusion that the value of my place will not decline.
BTW, with all due respect to Adam, the realtor Christine Clark is an airhead, but has a staff that is very competent that saves the day. She seems to have a very strong local reputation. She babysat my initial viewing of my house trying to sell me on every little feature as if it were the greatest thing in the world. I finally told her during one little chat, that the custom cabinets she was hyping as being so wonderful, would be the first thing I tore out if I bought the place. At that point she finally left me alone.
I do not have kids so I cannot offer any comment about the schools.
