Since this is the year to buy a home for us, I’ve been keeping a close eye on our real estate market. It’s crazy, but the Southern California market has rebounded almost back to where it was during the peak of the housing boom. Not quite as crazy, but almost. So finding a home below $400,000 will be a challenge.

I’m in a mad frenzy to save money and buy a home by late next fall. That gives me a little more than a year (14 – 16 months) to save up enough cash for a down payment. However, in Southern California, homes are crazy expensive! I’ve budgeted a reasonable amount for a “starter” home and am hoping to snag one for under $410,000.

With a week left before Christmas, one of the greatest ways to celebrate the season is to give back. This year, I’m going above and beyond the giving spirit (with Mr. LH’s initiative); we’ve decided to contribute to the Spark of Love Toy Drive hosted by the Los Angeles Fire Department and ABC 7.