All too often these days, only the negative is written about the housing market. For today's post, I decided to look at it from a brighter perspective, and only think of the positive:

1. If you have a good job and good credit, falling home prices may make buying a home more affordable. (Home prices are the lowest in six years and are still decreasing, says Reuters.)

2. Low interest rates -- 30-year mortgage rates averaged at 5.10 percent this week, while 15-year mortgages averaged at 4.80 percent, according to Marketwatch.

3. Shopping for a home now is like being the first one through the store's doors on Black Friday -- there are so many homes to choose from at discounted prices.

4. You're less likely to make a rash decision in buying a home -- you probably won't have to make a snap decision on a house in fear of another buyer snatching it up.

5. You'll probably think harder about selling your current home and won't make the move unless it's the right time for you, especially since selling a home can be tougher these days.

6. If you get into a bidding war, the odds are it's because you truly love the home, not because you have to get into a bidding war just to get a house.

7. You're less likely to overextend yourself to buy a house -- now that Americans are spending less and holding onto their money more.

8. For those of us who have less to spend, it might be easier to get a Realtor to take us seriously these days. (A few years ago, when my husband and I were shopping for our first home, we went to a real-estate office, where the agent didn't feel we were worth her time. Instead, she printed out a few listings of less-expensive homes on the outskirts of town and basically told us to fend for ourselves.)

9. Those home improvement projects might be less expensive, and getting a contractor to your house may be easier. (Check out this article in Good Reading for websites that help you choose your next contractor.)

10. Appreciating what we have. (Less dreaming about that dream home and having more appreciation for simply having a roof over our heads.)—Lauren Baier Kim