ncounty4,
My advice is to hang in there and keep saving. I beleive there is a very good chance that there will be loan programs for you coming within the next 12 months if not sooner. When they do, you will have more money and prices will be cheaper. I live and work in the heart of North County Coastal. I have recently seen some spectacular homes list on the market in the 900’s knowing they will ultimately settle in the 800’s. These will pull the 800 to 900 homes down into your range and you will likely get something nicer than you expect. I know it can be frustrating but a small dose of patience will yield rich rewards.