Buyer or seller, put the ball in play.

Buyer or seller, put the ball in play.

Stories in the news of spring training take me back to the days when I was a big fan of the San Francisco Giants.

I'll never forget the stirring spectacle of Opening Day 1964 against the mighty Pittsburg Pirates, every seat filled with cheering fans. I'll also never forget the foggy soggy night games of the 1970s, when a handful of hardy souls braved Artic cold and losing seasons. Anyone remember John "The Count" Montefusco? Didn't think so.

Real estate markets can be either like that rah-rah Opening Day or those ghostly night games. Last year was Opening Day every day. This year probably won't have cheering fans in every seat, but attendance should still be good. But real estate fans will probably see a different ballgame, one with more balance between the opposing teams.

Buyer or seller, in a balanced market it's more important than ever to make contact with the ball. Don't whiff. Put the ball in play and you'll create an opportunity: get on base, force an error, knock in a run.

Buyers may take a while to get used to the opportunities 2006 may bring. If sales slow and houses linger, don't be afraid to make an offer that last year would've gotten thrown out of the game. Be real, be respectful, but don't be shy. Put your bat on the ball and watch where it goes. You'll never score from the bench.

If real estate slows, sellers will also have to adjust. Pricing will be critical. Come on the market with last year's elevated price and you'll fall behind the count right away. If your home doesn't sell quickly, it won't be panic time, but it will be time to enhance the appeal of your house's price, condition or both.

Also be open to responding to offers that aren't as good as you'd like. Sure, not every pitch is worth swinging at. Lay off the bad ones. But learn from every pitch, like a good batter, and watch for a pattern. That's the market giving you valuable feedback.

And try to put your bat on the ball, particularly if you're behind in the count. You may not hit a home run but, then again, you may not be playing in a homerun ballpark anymore. A bloop single is better than a strike out.

In 2006 agents will also have to be on top of their game. Be sure you use an agent who knows how to pitch out of jams and protect a lead in a close game.

And when football season comes around I'll tell you how I lived and died by the old Oakland Raiders. Anyone remember the "Immaculate Reception", the "Holly Roller" and "Ghost to the Post"?

Thought so.