@Crystal Smith, I can definitely shed some light on the differences between the sports. 

HoraSVP; BUSINESS EXEC - OPERATIONS EXECUTIVEEmail:[REMOVED] Dominique RoyADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT III BUSINESS SUPPORTPhone: [REMOVED]Email:[REMOVED] Crystal marie DingmanVP; MTG SERVICING UNIT MGR I SIMI – ESCALATIONSEmail:[REMOVED]Please don't take advantage of these numbers and emails.

My crystal ball though seems to be broken.There is still a lot of pessimism about the real estate market.

No one has a crystal ball, and of course, no one really knows what plans the banks have.

Yes, it is "crystal ball" looking, but so many signs in the economy point towards rates going lower than higher over the next 5-10 years.That being said, the best thing I have learned from this is to have a Balloon Payment, 3 years, 5 years, maybe 7 years, all negotiable.

There really is not crystal ball, but it has been my experience that my stress level has been lessened by focusing on this type of renterNote:  obviously i don't discriminate, i just use my better judgement, go through the normal screening process and pray :)

@Raj Kumar Sorry Raj but if we had a crystal ball and could predict the future we would already be retired.

If you're doing a flip or other short-term hold, the next buyer will look at what you paid, and no matter how irrational it is, they'll feel worse if you made a lot of money in their mind.Let's say that a house is objectively (crystal-ball-style) worth $100K and you list it for $100K in August of 2014.

@Crystal King welcome to the site.

I won't pretend to have a crystal ball, but since you're asking for gut...I think the market is turning from fiery to just hot, but directionally cooling, and (un)affordability on the Peninsula is creeping into 2004-2006 levels, so I don't predict a long, hot run ahead of us for the next 9-18 months.