hey i know how you feel. I’m also an attorney…and make decent money. luckily, i live/work int he temecula area..and up here that 2500-3500 mortgage payment WILL get you into a nice house that you would be proud to call a home…BUT prices are falling here too..

AND you can renta lot more house for the money.

a 2500 payment will get you inot a low 400k home. 3500 is what you’ll be spending on the 500-550k home… keep in mind property taxes are usually 2% up here in the newer areas… 🙁

but you can RENT a 750-850k home for $2500/month or less.

right now, it’s cheaper to rent than buy as well. so keep renting. when the costs of renting get closer to the costs of buying, then it maks sense to buy.