And an added uncertainty this year is the much-publicized Y2K problem. Although banks and other financial entities say they are confident their computers will perform faithfully come Dec. 31, the potential for problems during a home-buying transaction during that period nonetheless is causing jitters. Start today and, even if you have a home to sell and another to buy, there's plenty of time to allow for delays and still close escrow unscathed. Wait much longer and you could bump up against the holidays. People go to parties.
Kids are out of school.
During a typical year-end market, housing consumers ought to know the market's latest trends and conditions. You should also practice efficient home buying and selling techniques. This year you've get to be extra nimble and extra quick. Competition is particularly thick. There were 1,272 fewer homes on the market in July this year than July 1998, according to the latest numbers for the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors.