I am looking to buy a condo and am not sure how to see if the property
values in the area are rising, falling or staying the same.  This
information would be helpful to me as I am looking in condos in
several neighborhoods, not to mention several suburbs. Also, is it
possible to use this information to see if an area is a "sellers
market" so to speak whose bottom may or may not drop out.

Your best bet is to contact a real estate agent, because they would be
most knowledgable both about the field and specific neighborhoods.
Land values generally go up for 5-7-10 years in an area then go down
for 5-7-10 years as people move in, make the places nice, and move on
to bigger homes. You can always go flyer hunting on houses that have
signs up to see what they are going for. As soon as you're able to
invest, you should. Nothing raises your bottom line net worth like a
house. Be sure to check with the local poilce to see if the crime
rates in the area you're hunting are within your reasonable living
conditions. Best of luck to you.