The Dallas Morning News yesterday reported on new figures out from the National Association of Home Builders, which show that, in the final quarter of 2008, more than 67% of the homes sold in the D/FW area "were affordable for residential buyers".  This represents D/FW's highest affordability ranking in 4 years.  The D/FW area ranked 112th out of 222 US markets in the report in terms of home affordability.  Fort Worth was the most affordable homebuying market during the 4th quarter, with 79% of median income families being able to afford to purchase.  Falling prices and low (and falling?) interest rates make this the absolute right time to buy for the families out there - and there are some - who have been saving up down payments, have decent credit, and are ready to buy a home they can actually afford (or maybe even a little less home than they can actually afford).  Let's hope they are encouraged to start emerging soon!  Coupled with (for all the challenges) the program announced by President Obama on Wednesday, we're starting to let ourselves feel a little bullish about spring.  Comments?