Several readers suggested a topic about spring sales tactics. "How about some dicussion on what tactics the agents and builders will use this spring to create a 'sense of urgency' among buyers. The last few years its been very effective to tell people that they would be 'priced out forever,' or to 'hurry up before interest rates rise.'"

"Creating a 'sense of urgency' is a very effective sales technique. It causes people to make rash decissions without much thought."

A reply, "Easy: 'It’s a BUYER’S MARKET now! Hurry up before you miss it!'"

Another, "NAR: 'Hurry up before prices start going up again later this year.'"

One on rates, "Buy before interest rates go up."

Another said, "Buy now for the best selection and location! Quantities are limited. Take advantage of your best and last chance in a lifetime to qualify for the home you’ve always dreamed of."

"Get in now before it’s too late! Don’t let the market take off again without you."

One had specifics. "I just got a mailer from Standard Pacific (San Diego area), and they are offering $15,000 to buy down interest rates, along with some free upgrades (depends on the development) and cash back for closing. They mentioned four different communities."

From a blogger. "This topic is particularly interesting in light of the likely inventory explosion we’ll experience post-Super Bowl. One of my posts yesterday linked to an agent in Baltimore who has started tracked withdrawn listings, and in some places there continue to be more new listings than withdrawals, going into November!!!"

"This report contains some really great lines, like this one…'This month I started tracking withhdrawn listings and you can see that there are as many coming off as going on. I think we’ll see sales numbers stabilizing until late January/February 2007 and then as hordes of new sellers try to hit the 'resurging spring market' the proverbial stuff will hit the fan. Only those with a strong stomach should apply for this job.'"

Another quotes from the link. "'When I was younger, very few people bought a home for investment purposes, but when the last stock decline hit, many did just that. The glut of rental properties and proliferation of speculators has a whole lot to do with today’s slowdown. Greed is another big factor. I think sellers should be happy with a decent return versus an obscene return.'"

"Wow, Dominick may be sleeping with the fishes before long if he doesn’t clam up."

One poster is shopping for an agent. "In a year or two, when purchasing a house possibly becomes affordable again, I’ll be looking to hire a realtor with some honests posts like that. Any D.C./VA realtors want to come forward?"