I’m in the same boat. Just recently decided to make a career change and need to buy soon before quitting my job and going back to school. I know, sounds crazy, but there is sound reason for it all. Put in an offer on a great place only to find that someone beat me to it and at $30K more than the asking price. I was heartbroken as it was the only place I’d seen in that range ($420K) that could have been move in ready with little fixing. Apparently there were several offers well below asking. I thought I’d be safe buying now, as in no competition, but it’s truly crazy out there. I hear a lot of talk about investors buying right now. What gives? I just need a place for my family to reside for the next few years.