Thomas Moss, respected owner and manager of Thomas B. Moss Real Estate Limited, answers questions about today's market.

Question: Is there an ideal age to buy real estate? Mr. Moss: "No - it depends at what age a person can afford the property. The younger the better, however, as one can obtain a longer mortgage period.'' Question: If you have a client 55 or older what's the most reasonable buy in Bermuda, a cottage or a condo? Mr. Moss: "This depends mostly on a buyer's wishes; to one buyer a cottage for $450,000 with its own yard is a better investment even with the responsibility of doing one's own exterior maintenance than a condo at the same price where one has to live in close proximity with one's neighbours and where one does not have a private garden.

"Whether the price of either a cottage or a condo is reasonable depends on the status of the market at the time.'' Question: Does there come a time when you are considered too old to obtain a home mortgage? Mr. Moss: "Generally, the nearer one is to retirement age, the shorter the term of the mortgage. The way around this would be to include one or all of one'' children on the conveyance.'' Question: Does Bermuda offer any retirement homes or condos? Where are the best buys? Mr. Moss: "There are not retirement homes or condos of the kind to which you are referring although there have been a couple of attempts to provide such housing.

"Sir John Plowman was involved in one plan and Jenny Southern did build a complex, `Ocean Sands', specifically for older people's needs.

"At that time, the late '80s, there was not a great response to the ideas.'' Question: What's happening with Bermuda's real estate market? Is it a buyer's market or more of a seller's market? Mr. Moss: "Presently it is a seller's market due to three factors: 1. There are lots of prospective purchasers.

2. Mortgage monies are plenti ful.

3. Listings of properties avail able for purchase are in short supply.'' Question: Where do you see Bermuda's real estate market 10 years from now? Mr. Moss: "Anyone's guess. The population is on the increase, therefore the real estate market should be healthy. There will be renovations, additions and re-building of existing structures.'' Question: Is the purchase of a home still considered to be the largest lifetime investment of the average buyer? Mr. Moss: "Twenty or 25 years to pay off a mortgage is not a lifetime; there are many variables likely.

" When the mortgage is paid off, the owner will probably sell and upgrade or keep the original property and buy another to be paid off more quickly due to his healthier financial position.'' Mr. Moss may be contacted at his Hamilton office by phone: 292-6294, fax: 292-9326 or email: tmrealty yibl.bm