Home sales are down, property values have dropped, and credit rules have tightened. The real estate market is definitely down compared to the last decade, and nobody knows exactly how long it's going to last.

The good news for buyers in 2008 is that many predict the market to get even worse in many markets, and that means buyers will be in the drivers seat, and there are deals out there to be made on favorable terms.

Here are seven suggestions from Inman News advice columnist Ilyce Glink on things to do if you are planning on buying a house this year.