Thanks thats the game plan. I had a lender pre approve me at 3.8% but my credit union offers 3.25% so will get the better lock in rate with 20% down. I drove through Serra Mesa today and love the central location to everything. I do like Carlsbad as well but its so FAR from central and downtown San Diego. Traffic to/from Santee/La Mesa is HORRIBLE so that area is no go.