"The reality is that homeownership remains well within reach for most first-time buyers. In at least 12 markets in Ontario-Atlantic Canada, the entry level price point for a single-detached home remains under $200,000.

First-time buyers are the first domino to fall - move-up purchasers follow - and so on, and so on, and so on. Statistically speaking, we've seen it all before. We all know that houses continue to sell. Sure, it's not 2007 when just about everything and anything sold, and sold quickly at that. But it's also not the doom and gloom predicted daily by economists, columnists, and the odd investment analyst. In all this mayhem, very real opportunities exist, particularly for first-time buyers -- many of whom have spent recent years sitting on the sidelines. While all the reports are discouraging, and it's tempting to jump on every negative headline, it's important to remember that real estate is cyclical – and after each cycle, the market comes back bigger and better than ever before. The entire world is in a slump, yet real estate continues to flourish. The numbers may not be as robust as in years past, but values have NOT fallen like a stone. A well-priced property anywhere will move, and some, in multiple offer situations.

At least one major lender says that a strong majority (82 per cent) of Canadians feel that owning a home is a good investment and home ownership remains the primary financial goal of many. Given today's unpredictable investment climate, many will choose to opt out of mutual funds and put their money where they put their mattresses.

Unlike the stock market, where prices can plummet, trading can be halted, and government intervention could mean shareholder misery - real estate is just fine. So do not let the twisting and turning of headlines deter you. The warmer weather is finally upon us and with it, a new crop of buyers and sellers."