I can understand that to a certain extent. In my case, after a divorce I lived frugally for a few years and paid $82K cash for a 2BR/2bath garden home that needed updating. Just sold it for 130K and using that plus cash to pay cash for this house. Realtors freak when you say you're paying cash and want to show you $600K homes if you've got $200K to buy a house outright. I haven't had a house payment in several years and really enjoy knowing I can pay my monthly nut by working at Walmart....
But for a first time buyer...how do they do it in Cali? DINK's (Dual income No Kids)? Mom and dad fronting a large downpayment? Just seems so outta whack nothwithstanding the current real estate mess.
BTW...I liked your first comment before you edited.
