<p>DMD- bought in SoCal in 1983- $122k was $1764/monthly......I was young, I didn't know any better, every one said you'd better get into the housing market or you'll never get in, so we got in....but it hurt, my entire salary went to the mortgage! That same loan amount now is 1/3 to 1/2 the payment, depending on the terms of the loan!!!</p>