Lixy I know the interest rates are low, but 2 bedroom condos here are in the $300,000+ range ... and that's just a basic one, nothing overly special or big about them .... housing rates have been going up in double digit percentages each year for about the last 4 years now ... can't stay at such an elevated price and so I'm biding my time (not in any rush whatsoever) and saving as much as I can to make as large of a down payment as possible.

Irish ... I know about the time frame, figure if possible I'll try to do a 15 year loan.

thanks you guys for the various words of advice ... to me and others ..... and for all your ideas of what you're getting or want to get ... it's fun to read about your "dreams".