In Las Cruces, like much of the country, home sales are sizzling. That's great news for sellers, but its enough to make a potential buyer's stomach churn.

National Association of Realtors' economists say low interest rates will keep the housing market at these levels through 2003. Although record levels of buyers have already fulfilled their housing dreams, the low interest rates will open the doors of home ownership to first-time buyers and will sustain the trade-up market.

This strong demand low supply situation has been in effect for the last couple of years with more buyers than their are homes for sale.

So, what is a buyer to do?

1. Research and determine what you want before hand.
size of home-neighborhood-how much you want to spend.

2. Get Pre-qualified for a mortgage before you start looking at homes. This will give you an exact price range for your purchase, and pre-qualificationwill add clout to your offer.

3. Work closely with your agent clearly express your wants and needs. In a market withlow inventory and high demand, you will want to be notified as soon as a home that meets your criteria goes on the market.

4. Use the internet and scout out listings yourself, and then communicate your findings with your agent.

5. Keep in mind there is no such thing as a "perfect" home. Set priorities. Determine what you might be willing to sacrifice.

6. When you are ready to make an offer, bid competitively. In this market you must assume that you will be competing against other offers. Now is not the time to play games, and try to see how low the owner will go.

7. If at all possible don't make your offer contingent on anything. In an active market where multiple offers are common, the contingent offer will often be rejected.

8. Most importantly, if you are determined that now is the time to buy, don't be timid. You need to be ready to act on a moment's notice and present an attractive offer as soon as you see that close to perfect home.