Anyone looking for a definitive answer to the question about the outlook for the 2009 real-estate market need look no further than Inman News to see why one isn't in the offing.

In the afternoon edition of today's Inman "Daily Headlines," the first two items are "Pessimism about 2009 recovery," which outlines and refers readers to an Inman survey of expectations for the 2009 market, and "Get ready for real-estate rebound," which outlines the reasons the market could improve next year.

Take a read of both. Let me know which side you come down on -- that of survey respondents who say a rebound won't happen before 2010 or that of columnist Bernice Ross, who says next year will be better than anyone thinks. (I'm crossing my fingers that Ross is right, but I'm afraid those fingers will cramp up before I can uncross them and we're in the clear.)

I got an e-mail recently from Dave Erickson, past president of the Washington Association of Mortgage Brokers, who wants prospective homebuyers to know that there's mortgage money out there and rates have been going in the right direction for borrowers. Here's his e-mail:

Did you know? Rates have fallen around 1% for a 30 year rate over the last couple weeks.

If you do the math, a 1% drop, from 6.375% to 5.375%, on a 300,000 mortgage reduces the payment by $191.70. At 5.375%, $191.70 buys an extra $34,233.90 in house. Compelling, isn’t it? Add to that the 10-20% price drops which have already occurred and it’s really compelling. It is a great time to buy.

Cindy, also I’d like to try to counter the common perception that it is hard to get a mortgage these days. It simply isn’t true. If you have income that can be verified, okay credit, and aren’t buying over your head, there is plenty of money readily available to you. I recently have gotten multiple approvals for debt ratios over 50% for first time buyers.

Let’s not dissuade those first timers who are on the border of affording a home of their own. When rates go up (they certainly will) and when values start back up (they always have and will again), these people may be out of luck.

So, what I'd like to know is this: Have you gotten a loan recently? How long did it take?