The tentative real estate market amounts to an ideal window of opportunity for adventurous contrarians. A few favorable financing variables include tax credits, depressed prices and low interest rates. That's not all. Builders from Vermont to San Diego are offering incredible incentives such as below-market rates of 4.25 percent.

Thinking about financing a new home? Here's the lowdown from some of the country's top real estate experts:

Don't believe everything you read. That's the word from Neil Garfinkel, a real estate and banking attorney with New York City law firm Abrams Garfinkel Margolis Bergson LLP. While economists and business analysts continue to paint a picture of doom and gloom, Garfinkel says the real estate market has turned around over the past few weeks, and he's been very busy negotiating deals.

"Contrary to what the media is saying, things are happening in the real estate market," he says. "People are buying new homes. I don't know why that news isn't getting out."

Take the hint. "Don't try and time the market and hang back and wait for an ideal buying opportunity," Garfinkel advises. "That could be a big mistake because there may never be an ideal time. No expert knows what the real estate market will be like a week from now, no less six or 12 months ahead. If buyers are ready to buy, and everything is order -- credit scores and finances are in good shape -- they ought to shop around for deals."

Do it right. A mortgage contingency is a must, Garfinkel insists. In this uncertain real estate market, buyers must have a mortgage contingency built into the contract, he says. "The lending marketplace has changed drastically over the past few years. It was assumed that once buyers got a contract, it was pretty certain that getting a mortgage was a slam dunk."

Not anymore. Garfinkel's advice: Don't assume that getting a mortgage is easy. Securing a mortgage is more important than finding a property.

NEXT: A notorious mortgage expert breaks down the best financing options >>

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