The rules have changed in the real estate game

Drive through most neighborhoods in the county and the unmistakable white posts jut from the pristine grass.

The brightly colored signs boast names of real estate companies, open house hours, amenities and phone numbers.

But the signs aren't changing as quickly as they did a year ago. The real estate boom is winding down, leaving buyers and sellers looking for tips on what to do as the market tides change.

"Buyers are much more savvy - they're bargaining now," said Dorcey Rose, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage at Annapolis Plaza.

Although prices continue to rise, the increase is much slower this...