[A CA Guy]

In many states the housing market is unaffordable for most. In an expensive area, a single ANYBODY with a large mortgage is subject to being let go from a bad economy, downsizing or whatever. So, though RE is a great investment, there is no guarantee you won't lose it all.

If a single person is fired and can't find equal pay in another job, the house could become forfeit.

[bigsigh]

On Friday I'm taking a 43 year oild divorced woman to buy a house or condo in southern Cal. Her max is $275,000 or $320,000 if she buys a duplex. When I was looking at the MLS I saw half a dozen in Colton in the area in which she now lives, for under $225,000. Two condos, three manufactured, and one 2/2 house.

The market is always crazy in socal, but you can still find a house in a semi-decent neighborhood, if you don't mind an old fixer upper.

[RockinRight]

That's why even with a $65000/yr income I am looking at homes under $120000.