Conversations with real estate practitioners and the general public seem to indicate that consumers are more optimistic and are realizing that with the recent market adjustments, it is indeed time to buy.  According to the Sarasota Association of Realtors the real estate market this year continues to mirror last year's sales figures year-to-date for homes and condominiums.  Interestingly, reported closings through September 07 of 4,830 are reminiscent of the market through September 01 when 4,476 closings were reported.  However, volume of sales for the first nine months of 2001 was $1.22 billion, while the figure was $2.365 billion this year, or almost double 2001.  This is an indicator of how much homes and condominiums have appreciated in only a short time in our area.  Despite the recent downturn in median prices from the peak experienced in 2005, for those who owned a home for the past several years, there has still been a substantial increase in value and equity in the property.  On October 16, during a panel discussion concerning the local market at the Sarasota Association of Realtors, national economist John Tuccillo said all signs are pointing to the first phase of market recovery in Sarasota.  He said that the cyclical real estate industry often sees the start of a new phase reflected in lower numbers of listings, which is evident in the Sarasota market.  He noted that this is normally followed by the second phase, a reduction in the number of days on the market, and then the third phase, a rise in the ration of sale price to list price.