Hard to believe that someday we might be sitting on the patio, sipping our tea, yearning for the "good old days" when houses were cheap and deals were plentiful. But despite a nasty recession that has taken its toll in one way or another on all of us, the pros (the pros being the President's Council of Economic Advisors and the Federal Reserve) seem certain that the economy will improve by the end of this year. Which means all of those great deals you're seeing on everything from houses to vacations will slowly begin to disappear and prices will start to rise again.

Among the top ten things to buy before the economy bounces back? A house tops the list at #1. It seems that between the competitive pricing of homes right now (prices were down 25% between the 4th quarter of 2006 and the fourth quarter of 2008), interest rates that hover around 5% for a 30-year fixed mortgage and the $8,000 tax credit for first time buyers...the stars are aligned for those in the market. Also on the list? Furniture. So, if you've just taken advantage of the market and purchased a home, don't wait to furnish it.

Check out the other 8 items you shouldn't wait to buy after the jump...or click here for the full article.