Today, home prices are moving up. Real Estate markets always move – but since 2006 – the movement has been mostly down until the spring of 2012. That is a 6 year slump that has challenged both home buyers and home sellers. Since the spring, home prices have moved up. This is a natural effect that seems to always happen in an election year.  Here is something to keep in mind. If you are selling a home and buying a home, the market is always neutral. Any home buyer advantage is a home seller loss. Any home seller advantage is a buyer loss. It is balanced. For most, buying a home is not like any other investment. You are buying shelter for your family. You are buying lifestyle.