I recommend waiting too. This is going to be a very interesting year as the Option, Alt-A and Prime ARMs start adjusting in earnest and the high end begins to fall. My guess is that in the next six months the banks start capitulating and pricing the foreclosures in a more realistic manner. (Or at least start releasing the darn things.)
And you really need to think about buying a condo. 1.) HOA’s are a landmine – do you know how well funded it is? How many owners are no longer paying? The possibility of a “special assessment” for thousands, possibly even tens of thousands?
2.) Condos do not hold value or increase in value like SFR’s do. Long-term not as good an investment. Yes, it’s cheaper now but if SFR’s drop and become more affordable do you really want to be stuck in a condo.
3.) Rent a condo in the complex you are looking at – you might find have people all around you a bit of a culture shock after your own (granted tiny) home.
