<p>Thank you for all of the suggestions. To clarify, we live in Southern Cal and condo prices are as low as we’ve ever seen them in the area we are thinking of buying (attractive area approx 4 mi from ocean)…my mother has social security of approx $1600/mo after medicare, and she is able to use a portion to help with expenses…it’s just not enough to maintain her large home on which she owes much much more than its worth. (LONG story…my father died three yrs ago after a prolonged illness and it was a financial DISASTER for various reasons resulting in huge debt and ruined credit). We have a little time since she is trying to short sell her home…I’m hoping for the best…thanks again.</p>