While national media coverage paints an abysmal picture of the American housing market, it doesn’t reflect the reality of - or the new opportunities in - Richmond County real estate.

“Real estate markets are just as localized as the weather,” said Nicole Hayden, president of Exit Realty Platinum in Rockingham.

“We are definitely in a buyer’s market,” said Caroline Thomas, a broker and owner at Thomas Realty in Rockingham. “Yes, there are more restrictions on loans, but banks are definitely still lending - and the rates are incredible.”

Thomas said that house-hunters and investors who can get the financing have a great opportunity to buy now.

“In the past two weeks, I’ve had residential customers getting 4.75 percent fixed rates locked in for 30 years, and that increases buying power tremendously,” Thomas said.

Tim Hayden, president of Hayden Construction, fully agrees.

“Now is the best time to be buying real estate. The mortgage rates are at lows we have not seen in decades, and real estate is a great long-term investment. At a 3 percent rate of appreciation real estate will double in value again in the next 24 years according to the Rule of 72. For every year someone puts off buying a $100,000 home they would be losing $3,000 in appreciation. Not to mention the First Time Home Buyers Tax credit of up to $7,500 that is available for the next few months.”

Like many local Realtors, Kim Whitley, a broker and owner at RE/MAX in Rockingham, believes Richmond County real estate has shown relative immunity to the boom/bust phenomenon.

“When big city real estate markets were at their peak, we stayed in the middle, and when they hit rock bottom, we remained in the middle.

“Things are picking up and I think they are going to be really good this year. Our foreclosures have stayed about average. People in Richmond County aren’t getting desperate and having to give their homes away. I’ve heard people say ‘Why should I sell when no one is buying?’ But they are buying. My girls are busy.”

Nicole Hayden said sellers have to remember to stay on point.

“When looking for a home, buyers are more selective. Sellers that have taken the extra step in preparing their home for sale will be more appealing to buyers. Keeping the home clean and well-maintained will set it apart from the competition.”